’Inspiring’ UCL student recognised for helping community during lockdown

UCL Laws student Zak Dada set up Merton Mutual Aid in south London, building a team of 2,000 volunteers to deliver food and supplies to vulnerable neighbours and reduce isolation. Zak, who started the network from scratch in March last year after helping neighbours who were shielding and seeing a wider need for this kind of support, has been honoured with a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister - an award recognising outstanding volunteers in the UK. Zak, who started his LLB in September, initially set up a Facebook group which gained 1,000 members in three days. As the number of volunteers grew, Zak managed the network and co-ordinated deliveries through dozens of WhatsApp groups, working 12 hours a day. He also partnered with AFC Wimbledon Fans, securing a £10,000 grant to supply and deliver laptops and tablets to digitally excluded children. "And I couldn't have done it without the support of thousands of members of Merton, who really did put in their all." In addition to the Points of Light award, Zak was named a Make a Difference Hero by BBC Radio London after being nominated by Merton Borough Council. Mark Allison, the leader of the council, said: "By organising a small army of volunteers in our community, he showed great leadership, empathy, and tenacity.