PFCC Volunteers celebrated at a special event

Our incredible volunteers who support the work of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex have been honoured at a special appreciation event. On Saturday the 25^th of June, we celebrated the greatest achievements of almost 60 volunteers who give their time to the Restorative and Mediation Service, Independent Custody Visiting Scheme and the Dog Welfare Scheme. The volunteers had the opportunity to hear from experts including Charlotte Huggins from Dogs Trust, Gavin Saunders from Essex Police Cyber Prevent and Protection and Nicola Cranfield, a Crime Scene Investigator. The volunteers also took part in a speed dating style workshop, where they learnt about the different community safety initiatives around Essex and other volunteering opportunities. Roger Hirst Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner was at the event and said: “Our volunteers make a huge difference to the people of Essex. Our Restorative volunteers have allowed our Restorative and Mediation Service to grow, enabling victims and perpetrators of crime to achieve meaningful reparation, seeking to heal the harm caused by offending. “Our Dog Welfare volunteers help to provide assurance that our police dogs are cared for in the best way possible which is crucial for both the police and the wider public and our Independent Custody Volunteers work closely with the Independent Custody Visiting Association and Essex Police custody staff to continuously improve the rights, dignity and welfare of those in police custody.” He added: “The importance of volunteering cannot be overestimated. On behalf of myself and the people of Essex, I want to say thank you to you all!” Award Winners: 5 Year Service Award - Restorative and Mediation Service The following people have shown dedication to their volunteering roles for 5 years or more. Bob Hewes Doug Nichols Mark Smith Stephen Hawkins Tina Townsend Toni Buck Sue Jones   5 Year Service Award – ICV Margaret Russell Geoff Wright Rich Wicks Colin Philpott Leslie Mitchell Shelia Ebbs Veronica Sherry   Special Mention Award ICV These awards have been chosen by staff for volunteers who have shown dedication to the service over the last year. For the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, these individuals have gone above and beyond, picking up extra visits recently. They are always reliable, dependable and can always be counted on. They are extremely knowledgeable in the ICV and custody remit and are a great credit to themselves and the scheme. Well done! Leslie Mitchell – ICV Colin Philpott – ICV   Special Mention Award Dog Welfare This individual is always so positive, cheery and nothing ever seem like a chore to them. They are a genuine pleasure to work with and have a true love for the welfare of the dogs. Well done! Pauline Ray – Dog Welfare Scheme   Special Mention Award Restorative Justice and Mediation Service These individuals have both recently passed their training and are still learning on the go. The have dealt with very complex neighbourhood dispute cases which has taken a huge amount of perseverance and dedication. They have shown professionalism throughout when dealing with very difficult participants. They have both received feedback from one participant saying, ‘We can’t thank you enough for all your help and support and advice’. Anna Doe – ERMS Helen McMahon – ERMS   People’s Choice Awards ICV This year we wanted to recognise all of those who received a vote from their peers. The shortlisted People’s Choice category for the ICV’s are: Geoff Wright Richard Wicks Satish Thacker Colin Philpott   Winner: This person has received the most votes from his peers, is a great team player, an inspirational leader and an advocate to the scheme. He continues to pick up extra hours outside of his role as the Scheme Co-ordinator to ensure the scheme continues to provide and effective service. He is always working towards new ways of running the scheme and developing the Co-ordinators role. This individual puts others before himself and it’s not a surprise that others have noticed it! Richard Wicks – ICV   People’s Choice Award – Restorative Justice and Mediation Service The shortlisted People’s Choice category for the Restorative Justice volunteers are: Toni Buck Stephen Hawkins Dave Wenlock Claire Dodds Laurie Posner Bob Hewes Sam Reid Gary Knights   Winners: These two individuals received the same number of votes. They were both described by their peers are professional, supportive, and understanding. Laurie Posner – RJ Sam Reid – RJ   PFCC Volunteer of the Year This year we have two winners for this award. Both have shown extreme dedication in fighting for the rights of all victims. They have fought for the right to restorative justice on a national level. One of them is also an ICV in this role and has raised valid points and listens to others. Veronica Sherry Gary Knights   Join our team: If you want to make a real difference to community safety in Essex and learn some new skills, why not become one of the PFCC’s volunteers. There are vacancies for Independent Custody Visitors and Restorative Justice volunteers.