PFCC celebrates Essex volunteers during Volunteers’ Week 2026
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex is marking Volunteers’ Week 2026, running from 1st June to 7th June, by celebrating the dedication and impact of volunteers who support vital community safety services across the county.
Volunteers’ Week is a national campaign that recognises the invaluable contribution volunteers make to communities, while also encouraging more people to get involved.
Across Essex, volunteers working with the PFCC play a crucial role in supporting victims, improving transparency and helping to build safer communities through three key schemes:
Essex Restorative Mediation Service (ERMS) – Volunteers work with victims and offenders to repair harm caused by crime, helping individuals move forward and supporting positive outcomes for communities.
Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme – Volunteers visit police custody suites to ensure the rights, dignity and welfare of detainees are upheld, providing independent scrutiny and reassurance.
Animal Welfare Scheme – Volunteers help ensure police dogs are cared for to the highest standards, offering independent oversight and safeguarding animal welfare.
Together, these volunteers give their time and skills to make a real difference—often behind the scenes—supporting fairness, accountability and wellbeing across Essex.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst said: “Volunteers are at the heart of the important work we do across Essex, and I want to thank every one of them for their dedication and commitment.
“Whether they are helping victims and offenders to repair harm through our Restorative Mediation Service, safeguarding the welfare of police dogs through our Animal Welfare Scheme, or providing independent oversight of custody through our Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, their contribution is invaluable.
"Those are the groups sponsored directly by my office. We should also recognise the amazing work done by our Special Constabulary, Neighbourhood Watch and other Watch Schemes across the county and all those others who work to support young people, to make our roads safer and to improve the lives of those around them.
“They give their time freely to support others, helping to build trust, strengthen communities and ensure we continue to deliver fair and transparent services across Essex.”
ERMS Manager Alysha Patel said: “Our volunteers are at the very core of everything we do within the Essex Restorative and Mediation Service. Their dedication, compassion and commitment mean they are truly the beating heart of our service, making a meaningful difference to the lives of victims and those responsible for harm, and supporting positive change across Essex.”
ICV and Animal Welfare Manager Kasia Grabka said: “I feel incredibly proud to work alongside such dedicated volunteers across our schemes in Essex. Their commitment, compassion and professionalism make a real difference every single day - whether that’s ensuring detainees are treated fairly and with dignity or safeguarding the welfare of our police dogs."
The PFCC is encouraging residents who want to make a difference to consider becoming a volunteer.
Find out more about becoming a Restorative Mediation volunteer: https://restorativeessex.co.uk...
Learn how to apply to become an Independent Custody Visitor: https://essex.pfcc.police.uk/g...
Volunteering is flexible and rewarding, offering the opportunity to contribute to safer communities while gaining new skills and experience.