Enfield’s new mayor has chosen to back 13 charities that support people in the borough during her time in office.

Cllr Saray Karakus, who became mayor on May 23, will help to raise funds for a range of lesser-known organisations that work in the community, as well as more high-profile charities such as Mind and Age UK.

Mayors often nominate one or two charities to support during their time in office, but Cllr Karakus said she wanted to raise their profile of her chosen organisations.

These include Enfield Voluntary Action, which supports voluntary and community groups in the borough, and mental health charity Enfield Clubhouse.

She said: “It is not just about money – it is to raise their profile and attract awareness and interest in these organisations.

“I really tried to choose charities in the borough, because it Is really important to highlight them.”

A number of the charities reflect Cllr Karakus’ interest in the performing arts – the new mayor has previously worked in community theatre as an actor and scriptwriter.

She said: “It is really important because it is a way of bringing communities together. Art and theatre gave me so much.

“I am going to try my best to be the voice of these organisations and others that are not on my list.

“We have to support local people, and these are the causes that enhance people’s lives in Enfield.”

The full list of the mayor’s charities is as follows:

Enfield Voluntary Action

Mind in Enfield

The Children’s Society

Platinum Dance School for Performing Arts

Age UK

One to One Enfield

Face Front Inclusive Theatre

Enfield Clubhouse

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice

Edmonton Eagles Boxing Club

Macmillan Cancer Support

Reading Agency /BookTrust

Oasis Hadley Cadets