The Parish Safety Volunteers

Visiting some of the most vulnerable people in Essex, Parish Safety Volunteers conducted over 100 visits per month in 2016 and aim to reach over 1000 people in the coming year. At each visit they undertake home safety and security assessments which help people in their communities become less vulnerable to fire and burglary. Through better prevention and better preparation those visited are 4 times less likely to die in a fire.

Jackie Pope

Working with less engaged youngsters in her community, Jackie has built respect and trust that allows her to make a real difference in their lives and through this engagement  has helped prevent situations that could have escalated into anti-social  behaviour. By forging these relationships she has been able to connect young people with relevant support agencies and regularly arranges with other organisations, activities and trips for young people in the area.

Jenny Wijekoon
• The Well and beyond

Jenny has volunteered at The Well Coffee Shop for the last two years, providing vital pastoral care both at The Well and through home visits. Jenny has helped members of the community in many different ways, finding accommodation for the homeless and helping out the more vulnerable in society. She is well recognised for always going above and beyond for those who need help and offers care in whatever is needed; spiritual, physical, practical or emotional, and always taking the time to listen.

Crimewatch Wickford
• Sarah Keevil and Clare Gregory

Praised for their enthusiasm and dedication, Sarah and Clare have built Crimewatch Wickford, an online community that brings people together and is making a real difference to crime prevention in their area. They regularly participate in Police Patrols and with the Basildon SOS Bus to actively strengthen their community, fight crime and engage with young people.

Mandy Chapman
• Little and Great Braxted Neighbourhood Watch

As the local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, a member of the Parish Council, a member of the Chelmsford and Maldon Partnership Hub and an active member of the local speed watch programme, Mandy is having a massive impact on community safety. She has developed local community meetings, secured funding for a defibrillator, and regularly reaches out to the community updating them on local crime patterns and what they can do to stay safe. On one of her regular fly tipping walks she even found £3000 worth of cannabis at the edge of the road.

Michael Carter
• Frinton and Walton Community Speed Watch

After joining the Frinton and Walton Community Speed Watch in July 2015 Michael quickly became a key member and was asked to take over the coordination of the group shortly afterwards. By publicising their work through the local press and leading the drive to recruit new members, Michael has been key to ensuring the group is successful and has a real impact. He keeps in close contact with the police and contacts the highways department to update them on dangerous roads. Through his hard work the group is now considered one of the most successful Speed Watch programmes in the county.