Do you know somebody in your community who goes the extra mile to support vulnerable people, prevent crime and make their communities safer?  If so, then why not nominate them for a Community Safety Award, organised by the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.  The process is simple to complete with the winners recognised at the PFCC Annual Conference. This event takes place on Friday, June 7^th at Colchester United Football Stadium.

The winner will receive £500 to go towards their work in the community and two runners’ up or highly commended winners will also receive £300. There will also be a chance for the people of Essex to vote for the winner of a People’s Choice category from a shortlist of entrants selected by the judging panel. The People’s Choice winner will receive £100.

This year we have a new category for young people open to anybody aged up to and including 24-years-old. The winner of this award will receive £300 to towards their work in the community.

To win an award, you have to demonstrate that the nominee is an exceptional person or group that have gone above and beyond to keep their community safe. They also have to have delivered a project or scheme that has improved the safety of those around them.

Nominees can be volunteers or those who work in a professional capacity, delivering a service to the public to keep people safe, prevent crime and protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Pippa Brent-Isherwood, Chief Executive of the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Each and every day people across Essex go out of their way to make a positive contribution to their communities, whether that is through supporting vulnerable people, helping to prevent crime or making our communities safer. These awards recognise those unsung heroes. If you know somebody who really does make a difference please do nominate them and help get their great work in the spotlight.”

Full details of how to nominate are on the Essex PFCC website

https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/community-safety-hero-awards-2019/

The deadline for nominations is midnight on Sunday, May 12^th.

Nominations are open to individuals and teams from across the statutory, community, voluntary and business sectors, where an outstanding contribution has been made to improve community safety, prevent crime or protect vulnerable people. Nominations can be submitted by anyone who has benefited from or witnessed the efforts of the nominees and their work, including managers, colleagues, or members of the public.

The nomination form is simple to complete, and can be downloaded from the PFCC website here:

Previous winners of the award have included:

• Crimewatch Wickford group – an online community that brings people together and makes a real difference to crime prevention in the local area.
• Steve Wood – Criminal Justice and Welfare Manager of Open Road in Colchester.
• Yvonne Weinling, a volunteer for the Clacton Appropriate Adults Service, who does a huge amount to support, advise and care for young people and vulnerable adults during their time in custody.