The Thamesmead Pride in Place Programme has entered its next phase with the appointment of the Neighbourhood Board Chair, John Okungbaiye, and Vice Chair, Derek Sewell.
John is a multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and youth mentor who co-founded an innovative antitheft bag, has worked with The Prince’s Trust and served as a school governor. Derek is a local church pastor and neighbourhood forum co-chair who dedicates his time to the community.
In March, the government announced that £20 million additional funding is coming to Birchmere Park and the surrounding neighbourhood to improve shared spaces and create opportunities for local people. How the money is invested will be decided by a neighbourhood board, made up of over 50% of local community representatives and led by the independent chairs, who will work with the council and local MP Abena Oppong-Asare to devise a 10-year action plan.
Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, said: “Securing £20 million for Thamesmead Birchmere Park is a major opportunity to deliver lasting change for local residents. Now the priority is making sure local people help shape what happens next. I’m delighted to welcome John and Derek as Chair and Vice Chair of our Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. They know Thamesmead, they understand its communities, and they share my ambition to make this investment count. Together, we have a real opportunity to deliver lasting improvements that residents can see, feel and be proud of.”
Cllr Asli Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-operatives, added: “Congratulations and a warm welcome to the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board Chair and Vice Chair. John and Derek bring an impressive combination of professional experience, community expertise and local knowledge to the board, as well as the commitment and strong connection to Thamesmead needed to drive this exciting programme forward.”
The formation of a neighbourhood board is underway, and expressions of interest for membership are still open, so if you are passionate about how Pride in Place funding should be invested in Thamesmead, get in touch with the team: pride-in-place@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
You can also tell us your priorities for Thamesmead by completing the MP’s Pride in Place survey.
Meet John and Derek
John Okungbaiye – Chair
“I’m honoured to be appointed Chair. I’m ready to bring my governance experience, creative leadership, and community focus into how we invest this fund. Over the next year, I’m committed to bold, people-first decisions that create real impact. This is our chance to uplift the community, champion lived experience, and make every pound count towards meaningful, measurable change.” John Okungbaiye
John is a multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and youth mentor who has lived in Thamesmead since 2012. A true polymath, John has a wealth of governance expertise, creative leadership, and a strong commitment to community empowerment and social impact. John has built a career creating opportunities for others, supporting young people and communities through entrepreneurship and mentoring.
As co-founder of High Spirit Bags, a company offering stylish and patented theft-proof bags, and through his work with The Prince's Trust, John encourages innovation and enterprise, inspiring individuals to realise their potential and achieve their goals. John served as a co-opted school governor of Royal Greenwich School Trust, where he had oversight on decision-making, safeguarding and performance monitoring.
Across his professional and voluntary roles, John champions community voices in shaping organisational strategy. With a collaborative leadership style, John will build strong relationships and inclusive governance within the Pride in Place Programme.
Derek Sewell – Vice Chair
Derek is a respected community leader and advocate who lives in Thamesmead with his family for the last 15 years. As the Pastor of Titmuss Avenue Baptist Church, he leads with empathy, collaboration and a strong commitment to serving others. Drawing on his lived experience of homelessness and growing up in social housing, he is passionate about helping communities thrive.
As the Co-Chair of the Moorings Neighbourhood Forum, Derek works tirelessly to represent residents, improve local spaces, strengthen community safety and build positive partnerships. Known for his inclusive and solution-focused approach, he brings people together to deliver meaningful change in Thamesmead