Three charities across Brent have expressed their gratitude to the borough’s former mayor who has given each one more than £16,000.

Cllr Parvez Ahmed, who was mayor of Brent last year, raised £50,100 to be split between the three charities he supported during his period in office.

Brent Centre for Young Children, Community Action on Dementia (CAD) Brent and Sufra NW London will each receive £16,700.

Dr Maxim de Sauma, director of the centre in Laufer House, Winchester Avenue, Brondesbury, helps more than 600 adolescents and young people in it premises as well as its outreach work.

He said: “We were delighted to have been chosen as one of the mayor Parvez Ahmed’s charities and this donation will go a long way in ensuring that young people in distress receive the support they need.

“The donation will be used specifically to provide intensive treatment to young people who present more serious disturbances such as self-harm, suicidal attempt or suicidal ideation, eating disorders and psychotic functioning.”

Danny Maher, chairman of CAD Brent, based in Ashford Place, Cricklewood said the funds were “incredibly welcome”. He added: “We want to support people living with dementia, their families and local communities and develop and manage locally responsive support services that works for them.”

He added: “We need to continue our dementia awareness programme so that individuals and communities understand the condition, how to help others, how to effectively access statutory services and really raise awareness of the importance of a dementia friendly community and borough.”

Mohammed S Mamdani, director of Sufra NW London, in Pitfield Way, Stonebridge, said: “We are immensely grateful to Cllr Ahmed for his tremendous efforts in fundraising for us. His donation of £16,700 will enable us to ensure that vulnerable people experiencing food poverty have access to the advice and support they need to achieve stability in their lives.”

Cllr Ahmed, who represents Dollis Hill, said he attended 797 events as mayor. He added: “I love to support the local community which is why I picked these three charities. I did my best with the support of friends, families, colleagues and local residents. If they use the money for a good cause I’ll be very happy.”