Green plaque unveiled in Wandsworth honouring community champion Yvonne Carr

The unveiling took place outside the centre that bears her name and was attended by councillors, community members, heritage representatives and special guests. 

The event marked an important moment in recognising Yvonne Carr’s lasting contribution to Wandsworth and ensuring her story continues to inspire future generations. 

The Wandsworth Green Plaque scheme is designed to honour notable people, places and events in the borough that are not covered by the English Heritage Blue Plaque Scheme. There are currently 17 Wandsworth Council Green Plaques around the borough.   

The Yvonne Carr plaque is one of 12 additional plaques generously funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund as part of Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture. 

Born in Jamaica in 1945, Yvonne Carr arrived in London aged 16 and went on to train as a youth worker. She worked as a housing manager for Brent Council, and for the Patmore Cooperative in Wandsworth. 

In this role, she campaigned passionately for improved community facilities and successfully raised money to fund a new community centre for residents. Tragically, Yvonne died suddenly just weeks before the centre opened. 

Following her death, the centre was named the Yvonne Carr Community Centre in her honour and was officially opened by Gordon Brown, then Chancellor of the Exchequer. 

Today, her legacy is visible in the continued support offered to local families through the centre, including access to housing advice, family support and community services delivered through Wandsworth’s network of Family Hubs and children’s centres. 

These services carry forward Yvonne’s commitment to helping children, young people and families feel secure and supported. 

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “Yvonne Carr’s work transformed lives in Wandsworth. 

“Her commitment to children, families and the wider community continues through the centre she fought so hard to establish and through the support that families still receive there today.” 

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Yvonne Carr believed deeply in the power of social housing and in ensuring families had the support they needed to build stable, positive lives. 

“It is fitting that her name is linked not only to this building, but to the real, practical help that continues to change lives here every day.” 

Residents can find out more about Yvonne Carr’s legacy, as well as the support available through Wandsworth’s network of Family Hubs and children’s centres, which continue her vision of strong, supported communities across the borough.