Barnardo's has launched a Windrush Generation oral history project

Floella Benjamin

Born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1949, Floella, has gone on to do it all. She’s an actress, author, television presenter, singer, businesswoman and politician - currently holding a life peerage in House of Lords as none other than Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham. 

Hers is an inspiring story about overcoming challenge and hardship.

Floella was interviewed by Ola (20), who is supported by our Youthbuild Academy in Lewisham.

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Floella's story in pictures

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A Caribbean Family Photo

"I adore this photograph - it's a typical Caribbean family photo. That was taken was I was three... 68 years ago."

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A Family Unit Full of Love

"It shows you how happy we were as a family, because we were a family unit full of love. So I love that photograph."

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At Buckingham Palace

"This photograph is of me at Buckingham Palace, three months ago when I received my damehood from Prince Charles for all the charitable work I've done over the last 40-50 years."