Local people, the Chair of a Youth Board and a parish councillor were amongst those who received PCC Pride Awards by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens (PCC) at a recent ceremony.
Certificates were presented to nine worthy recipients who had been nominated for their efforts in helping and supporting young people, making our local communities a better place to live and who are working hard to make a difference.
Winners and their guests were invited to Police Headquarters, Portishead where they were presented their award by the PCC, before having lunch with Sue and Chief Constable Andy Marsh.
PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “I am incredibly lucky in my role as PCC to meet some extraordinary people who go about their daily business without any recognition at all.
“I don’t believe that we say thank you enough, to those who go above and beyond in our communities, and these awards are my way of saying thank you.
“I am always delighted to hear about so many fantastic people working to keep their communities safe and all of the winners who received awards were truly worthy and deserved the recognition. These individuals should all feel extremely proud of themselves as we are of them.”
Following the ceremony and afternoon tea, winners and their guests were taken on a tour of the Communications Department, where ‘101’ and ‘999’ calls are taken.
Debbie Naylor, Safelink’s Team Leader, was nominated for her efforts in establishing the successful Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service with her team. She said: “I feel shocked and honoured to be recognised for just doing what I love. I’d like to accept this award on behalf of the whole team as it is truly a team effort.”
Retired Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Linda Vincent was nominated for being an outstanding PCSO, always willing to go to great lengths to keep her community safe. Linda said: “It’s lovely to be recognised for the job I loved doing, supporting the local communities of the Wells Rural Beat.”
Dave Wiles is the Manager of the Southside Youth Club in Bath and was awarded for his innovative ways of introducing activities to improve the lives of disengaged young people from a deprived area of the city.
He said: “I’d like to thank Sue for the award. What I’ve been able to achieve is only through working together with partners; police, health and education. Together we’re making a difference to young people’s lives.”
Becky Tipper, Manager of the Communications Department was nominated for her professionalism and involvement in the ‘Keep Safe’ scheme, helping call handlers support vulnerable people.
She said: “I was delighted and surprised to receive this award that recognises all the excellent work of the Communications Department. For me, it’s about the work of all of us as a team, supporting those people who are most in need.”
Parish councillor Rhiannon Prys-Owen was nominated for her efforts in coordinating the Yatton Community Speed Watch programme and for her support of Yatton PACT. She said: “This award is about lots of people in our communities working collaboratively, coming together for the benefit our communities.”
Detainee Investigator Dan Sweet has been nominated for always going above and beyond his role and what’s expected of him. He said: “It’s important that we put victims at the heart of what we do and fully support them where we can. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do and humbled to receive this award.”
David May has been a force volunteer for over two years, giving up his own time to prepare the weekly summaries of Weston’s night time economy. Speaking about his role, he said: “What I do creates time for officers to do their job. The team are great and it’s important to me that I can support them in the best way I can.”
Professional Standards Department Officer Manager Zoe Jones has been recognised for implementing a new organisational learning process, changing work practices throughout the force. She said: “I’m delighted to receive this recognition, but the award not only acknowledges my own achievements but those of my team and the wider department.”
Eden Blazey, recognised for his work as Chair of the South Gloucestershire Youth Board said: “I am determined to support and run projects that make young people’s lives better. As a group, we host events such as e-safety sessions and look at areas such as improving mental health policies.
“I can’t quite sum up how it feels to have been nominated for this award but I’m gracious to have the opportunity for the work we’re doing locally to be recognised.”
To see photos from the day, visit www.flickr.com/photos/aandspcc/.
If you would like to nominate someone for the PCC’s Pride Awards visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/Take-Part/PCCs-Pride-Awards.aspx.
People are encouraged to put names forward as nominations for the PCC’s Pride Awards. The Awards are open all year round and decisions will be made quarterly.
