My mother, Lillian Bickley, who has died aged 88, led a life dedicated to social justice, community and education.
As a social worker and lecturer at Goldsmiths College (now known as Goldsmiths, University of London) in south-east London, she counselled survivors and families affected by the 1981 New Cross fire. In 1975 she became one of the first family and school liaison officers, working out of Lambeth council. Determined to bridge divides and empower the communities she served, she was part of the group that guided the then Prince Charles on a tour of Brixton following the 1981 riots.
