Issue 30 | SUMMER EDITION 2020

THIS ISSUE FEATURES SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY they give freely to volunteering in policing. WELCOME I hope you all managed to view As we all adapt to a the wonderful new way of life, it’s been #thankyou comforting to know that DVD that was we can keep in touch with launched on 1 familiar faces and routines June featuring of our daily lives at least the National virtually rather than in Police Chief person, and now slowly Council Leads reconnect whilst maintaining for Citizens in he was the ‘village bobby’ for Mere for 27 years a social distance. Policing. If you and more recently spent several years as the haven’t seen it Volunteer for Mere. So until that happy day when we’ll be able then you can do In this latter role, John was a regular fixture at to come out of lockdown completely, and so by accessing the local café – running a drop in session for life returns, albeit perhaps differently, I hope the below links: members of his community to receive advice our Citizens in Policing are accessing the and information to keep them well-informed communications that Forces have put in place Google and safe. It was his dedication to this voluntary to stay connected with policing. drive: https://drive.google.com/file/ role and his keenness to offer his services for d/1k1uWWPaNSp06Z5hPSG6q4UE-uPe3Ir-F/ all aspects of volunteering and events that Perhaps, for some, there has been one positive view?usp=sharing saw John receive the of lockdown – it has given people the chance to or of the Year Award at last year’s South West sit back and relax – something we don’t always We Transfer: https://we.tl/t-jKDaoQjcFs Region and Police do in our “normal” busy lives and be able to Volunteer Awards Ceremony. He will be hugely focus on some “me” time! Our Citizens in Policing are a hugely important missed by all those who knew him. part of the police family, the passion and We thank our Police Volunteers for “sticking enthusiasm of all of our Volunteers is truly John was married to Rita and this year they with us” – many Volunteers have had to stay at commendable and they play an integral role in were due to celebrate their Golden Wedding home, for a variety of reasons, but I think I am policing. Anniversary. Our sincerest condolences go out right in speaking for everyone in policing; we to Rita, their daughter Angela and their wider are looking forward to having our Volunteers Please say connected, stay positive and stay family including John’s granddaughter Chelsie back with us. safe who is keen to follow in John’s footsteps as a Police Officer one day. There are many fond Thank you to those of you who have been Tina Shelton memories and stories about John (not least how able to give, and increase in some cases, your WE WOULD LIKE TO his former colleagues once entered him into a volunteer commitment throughout COVID-19 REMEMBER VOLUNTEER wrestling match as John ‘Gripper’ Hancock – a and have demonstrated such flexibility, often nickname which stuck ever since). Wiltshire taking up different roles to help support your Editor JOHN ‘GRIPPER’ HANCOCK Police opened a condolence book to share Force during the Pandemic. memories and pass on messages of support to WHO TRAGICALLY PASSED John’s family –as a keepsake for John’s family The last months responding to the Coronavirus AWAY 21 MAY 2020 AND to remind them how fondly remembered he is Pandemic have obviously been a really difficult by all those in the police family he so loved. period for policing and our communities. WAS A LIFE-LONG MEMBER National Volunteers Week this year has been OF THE POLICING FAMILY The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed so many very different too, but Forces still wanted to aspects of daily life and this has sadly impacted ensure that the contributions Citizens in Policing on the way in which we can gather together to have made to policing prior to COVID-19 did not John had a lifelong connection with Wiltshire celebrate the lives of our friends and loved ones go unrecognised. There are articles throughout Police having joined as a Police Cadet in 1965 when they pass away. As such, John’s funeral this issue to recognise the huge contribution before serving as a Police Officer from 1968 was limited to a small number of family and Police Support Volunteers make, and also to through to his retirement in 1997. friends in line with the Government guidelines. thank them for the time and commitment that His family have expressed that they wish to John was the embodiment of community hold a Memorial Service for John when it is safe policing and truly loved serving his community – to do so.

Volunteering Matters has been produced with support from Graham Front Page: GMP Police Support Volunteer Wendy Holmes,Volunteers, Force Practitioners and Communications Teams. If you would like to be placed on the e-subscription list Please send you articles to the Editor: please email: [email protected] [email protected]

2 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 3 working with the High Sheriff on a large project STAFFORDSHIRE and when she leaves in two months’ time she POLICE CADETS has asked to come back as a Leader. I have never been more proud of any Cadet in Cadet Coordinator, Graham Smout, tells all the years I have been involved. Special Impact the story of Ella: Ella’s presentation was truly amazing and she “I first came across Ella Venables when I went has since delivered this to other Units within the are supported during this time. to Chase High School to give a presentation Police Cadets again with the same response. I about Volunteer Police Cadets. I was pre- have no doubt that this young lady will go on to York Council is signposting some of the most warned by the teacher in charge that there was be a fantastic example of what Police Cadets isolated individuals that have raised anxiety an “awkward” young female in the group who can do for someone.” around Covid-19 to a team of volunteers to would question everything I said and check in with them weekly or sometimes daily. would have a very forthright opinion The team of volunteers have been fantastic at on everything. It was obvious from the start who this was when this loud adapting to a new role, having to think on their and in your face individual walked feet as to the different issues brought up and to into the room. Having managed support people with coping strategies to help to get out the first few words, lessen people’s anxieties. comments were passed and opinions voiced by this individual. She was The team have been supporting people to told to be quiet twice, the second quite forcibly by the teacher. After ensure they are receiving their food parcels, that she remained quiet and took in medication deliveries and support concerns the presentation. around financial difficulties. These calls have been lifesaving to some individuals who have At the end of the presentation found themselves in total isolation with no questions were asked but this girl was very quiet. As she walked past family or neighbours to check in on them. me I said to her: “So when are you joining Police Cadets?” Her reply NORTH YORKSHIRE Natasha Almond, the Citizens in Policing was not printable but on being Coordination Manager, reports: “The team offered a form she snatched it out of POLICE SHARE of Volunteers has done an amazing job and my hand and walked away. ‘Told you’ have ensured that those most isolated were came the comment from the teacher. VOLUNTEERS WITH contacted over the Easter Bank Holiday where A few days later this form appeared people might feel even more isolated. The on my desk at Police Headquarters. MULTI-AGENCY Volunteers have had to face many difficult Having cleared her to go to the questions raised through the conversations, Cannock Unit but the following week PARTNERS which are reported back to the Council to to be honest they could not handle ensure their individual needs are met”. her. She was transferred to me at are working in partnership with York Council and the Voluntary Stafford. Within 2 weeks all the Volunteers have been innovative in suggesting Leaders were asking for her to be Sector to pool their vetted volunteers to support activities people can do within an enclosed removed, but something said to me welfare checks. They offered up their volunteers environment and helping to change individual’s to persevere with her. There was good who are fully vetted and ready to be deployed in this girl and all she needed was a negative perspectives into positive. North to fill the void as other organisations recruit, helping hand and guidance. Yorkshire Police are currently working with vet and induct their own volunteers. They work partners to see how their volunteer drivers can Three months ago, some 15 months closely with partners throughout the year, which support the delivery of medication. after joining the Stafford Cadet Unit, has enabled this multi-agency approach to be Ella stood up in front of the Unit and set up quickly and ensure the most vulnerable delivered a heart-warming assessment of how she has changed and how much she owed to the Police Cadets. On that evening she actually bared her soul to the Cadets who listened throughout the presentation. She is now a Section Leader in the Unit,

4 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 5 At the start of the pandemic, over two years, with masses LVP was faced with the of work and life experience in challenge of continuing to the third sector, Mental Health support vulnerable people and Criminal Justice System. whilst following social When approached to be a CISCO WEBEX FOR Platform in Devon & Cornwall. I was grateful distancing and ensuring the Telephone Befriender to a lady that the VPC Team was able to grant me an wellbeing of our amazing with complex mental health CADET LEADERS Administrator role meaning that I too can create volunteers. A couple of months issues, she was delighted to IN DEVON & other Users. Encouraging Cadet Leaders to be since lockdown began, over help and draw upon her vast Users and setting up virtual Cadet meetings 500 telephone befriending experience. Working alongside CORNWALL was relatively easy and the uptake has been calls took place almost every the Community Mental Health good. The bonus for me as a Development day, reaching out to some of Team, Teresa calls her client Officer is that I can attend local Cadet meetings the most lonely and vulnerable a few times a week and keeps (virtually) every week even managing two in LANCASHIRE people in the county. her VO updated, so everyone one evening! is kept informed of her client’s POLICE Moving our face-to-face wellbeing; a truly multi- It is a great opportunity to bring Devon & Community Support Cornwall’s 12 Cadet Units together. With the VOLUNTEERS agency approach (involving Befriending to staying in touch the voluntary sector, local help of Volunteer Cadet Leaders, we organised, MAKING A by telephone, meant that and now run a weekly Police Cadet Level 1 council and the NHS) whilst DIFFERENCE our volunteers could safely also helping to reduce reliance Course on Monday evenings with all our Cadets continue supporting isolated and Leaders invited. I was worried that the on public services. The client AS and lonely people; for some regularly expresses how much Video Conference Platform would not cope, but of whom their volunteer is it did, and over 100 participants joined us on the TELEPHONE the support from Teresa and the only person they speak the LVP Team means to her. first week! BEFRIENDERS to. Telephone Befriending can be a lifeline and makes Safeguarding standards are met by posting the “Lancashire Volunteer Teresa loves her role in a huge difference to people’s Restorative Justice and is Cisco Webex meeting invitation as an Event in Partnership has done an happiness, health and passionate about trauma- the VPC Marshall Volunteer Portal. Also, whilst amazing job of corralling wellbeing. informed practice, and the virtual meeting is running, all private chat community support.” cannot wait to resume normal rooms are turned off.” Lancashire Volunteer In March, LVP reached out to volunteering duties. However, Partnership (LVP) is trailblazing existing Police Volunteers to as the client has been such a National VPC in its joined-up partnership ask if anyone was prepared pleasure to support and if the Nick Healey VPC Hub Manager approach to Public Services to adapt to being a Telephone other wrap-around professional Volunteering. Before the Befriender to help support the services think it would still “We would like to thank Dan Covid-19 public health many referrals for help and help the client make progress, Worman from Cisco Net for access crisis, over 5,000 volunteers support that were pouring in Teresa would be happy to The COVID-19 Pandemic has significantly from across the county. One to Webex at a National level. It is supported public services, continue in her Telephone changed the way Percy Giles, Volunteer advantage of having over a Befriending role once the so important that Forces are able to including volunteer Police Police Cadet Development Officer for Devon & Cadets and Police Specials. dozen Volunteer Officers (VOs) current health crisis is over. Cornwall Police, works. safely and securely virtually connect LVP is the one-stop shop for that work really closely with When asked whether she with Cadets in these extremely all public services volunteering volunteers is that they know would recommend volunteering Percy Says: “All physical Cadet Sessions unprecedented times, it also great to in Lancashire, established their volunteers very well, so with LVP, Teresa replied, are suspended and all new Cadet Leader in 2016 between public when a VO asked colleagues recruitment halted. The National VPC Team see the Webex system being used in services (including Lancashire if they knew of anyone with “I would absolutely recommend suggested that I trialled the Cisco Webex Video this way and to maximum potential” Constabulary, Lancashire experience of supporting volunteering with Lancashire County Council, Blackpool mental health, Teresa Volunteer Partnership. They Council and Blackburn with Whittaker sprang to mind. are very attentive, supportive Darwen Borough Council) who and professional whilst still Teresa has been a Restorative being friendly. I’m impressed – wanted to provide one gateway Justice Police Volunteer for into public service volunteering. it is really well organised.”

6 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 7 BikeSafe support regional efforts to raise BikeSafe’s lead on this for North , Kevin In addition, the Alzheimer’s Society, the awareness of domestic violence or abuse and Shenton said, “I felt privileged to be asked to NORTH YORKSHIRE Filey Lions, Dementia Forward, Age UK and the help available support such an important campaign across POLICE SUPPORT Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource that affects so many people’s lives. distributed the booklets, whilst many businesses North Wales BikeSafe has supported the North Myself, and six other BikeSafe observers are VOLUNTEERS HELP highlighted it on their websites and the Westway Wales Police (NWP) regional wide campaign, proud to have worked closely with Protection Open Arms placed it in their food parcels to raise awareness of domestic abuse during PEOPLE TO STAY of Vulnerable Persons Unit and the Community supporting those most in need in Eastfield. the COVID-19 pandemic. The group distributed Resilience-Sub Group in trying to make a HEALTHY IN SELF- over 1,500 domestic violence leaflets to 21 difference in our communities, keeping people ISOLATION Operation Cracker drew on support and food banks across North Wales, safe.” expertise from 14 different organisations, including , , Police Support Volunteers on the Yorkshire including McCain Foods, who were instrumental , , , NWP are committed to protecting Coast have launched a scheme to make life in assisting the project to connect with the , , Prestatyn, Mold, the lives of both adult and child easier for the vulnerable and older residents. community: designing and producing the and . This victims of domestic abuse, to booklet. campaign provides local food investigate all reports effectively, Officers, PCSO’s alongside Police Volunteers banks with information about to bring offenders to justice and from Filey and Eastfield, relaunched Operation The NHS Managers for Community Services in staying safe from domestic abuse, hold them accountable for their Cracker, an initiative to support residents with Scarborough and Ryedale shared the booklet where people are unable to leave their homes actions. BikeSafe have supported the proactive information to keep them healthy and safe with their staff and communications team with a and need help. multi-team approach in order to prevent and during their self-isolation. very positive feedback. reduce domestic abuse. A Rural Domestic Abuse report in 2019, showed Working on-line from their homes the team Partners supporting the initiative include: that urban and rural communities are unable BikeSafe is a national police run motorcycle of Volunteers created a special booklet with NHS, Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Forward, to access support services and information initiative, aimed at working with motorcycle information on social distancing, top tips on North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, as easily as towns and cities. BikeSafe have riders in a relaxed environment to raise coping with self-isolation, mental wellbeing, Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource, supported the region wide efforts to proactively awareness of the importance and value of unwanted calls, crime prevention, and a list of Age UK, NatWest Bank, Filey Lions, North provide information in communities where progressing on to accredited post-test training. useful contact numbers for local agencies. Yorkshire County Council, Beyond Housing, domestic abuse is known to happen and raise Futureworks NY and the Westway Open Arms. awareness that Police are there to help. BikeSafe: https://bikesafe.co.uk/northwales

8 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 9 The next project was for the Cadets to pull CUMBRIA together articles, quizzes and games for a VOLUNTEER POLICE newsletter which was produced in May Superintendent Lisa Hogan, Head of People, CADETS and Force Strategic Lead for Citizens in To recognise Captain Tom Moore’s Birthday, Policing said “I am so proud to be the overall the Cumbria Volunteer Police Cadets came lead for our Cadets, I have seen lots of the together virtually to create a birthday card for work they do for our communities and how they his 100th day. support our policing priorities. I know it must be very difficult during the Coronavirus pandemic Cumbria Police have been engaging their and I’m sure the Cadets miss their routine; we Cadets outside of the cancelled sessions and miss them too! We look forward to having them each week they have had something different back with us.” to get involved in. They compiled a video of the #clapforkeyworkers a couple of weeks ago which worked quite well and needed to think of a ‘what next’ for the Cadets. One of the Cadet Leaders, Jen Ryan, came up with the idea of recognising Captain Tom’s birthday and his fundraising achievement. This then morphed into the idea of a photo montage and because the template needed 24 photos; thus the idea of a montage that had 24 words, hence the sentence that was created.

Each Unit were given so many words and the Cadets volunteered to do a particular word which they then emailed to the central Citizens in Policing Team and the montage was designed to circulate on social media as well as creating a birthday card too which was posted. CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS WEEK VOLUNTEERS NATIONAL CELEBRATING

10 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 fledged volunteer in January of 2007. This is my POLICE SUPPORT first ‘Thank You’ I have to GMP amongst many VOLUNTEER: others. In the thirteen years or so since I have had COLIN SPENCER the privilege to be a Volunteer I can state that I have felt an integral and valued member of the teams at Stalybridge and Duckinfield; always referred to as a colleague. There were times of great fun; one in particular was visiting a local school for children with very special physical and mental health needs. This was an Industry Day where local companies had been invited to talk and show the students what their work involved. Two schools were involved Retired Officer Mike Devine with Gladys & Colin whereby final year students participated. My at the 2014 CiP awards task that day was looking after those students whom would never be able to take up fulltime employment. We had a lot of fun; one particular Colin has been an invaluable team ‘arrest’ I made was the Headteacher, and he member who is fully aware of issues played the role as a villain admirably. This is in the local community and it has really had an impact on our team Colin has been a Police Support A few years ago it was necessary for me to take during the current climate not having a leave of absence to become a fulltime carer Volunteer with GMP since January for my late wife Gladys, whom sadly had been Colin there for us as he supports us 2007 when he retired from diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. Over the with numerous meetings within the employment with Atochem, a French following months my GMP friends paid many community and also general day to owned company in the polymer visits to see how both of us were getting on plus day work in the office. He is a major production business; his role was offering help and support. Those whom were asset to ourselves and the local Colin tells us how he became a volunteer and based mainly in engineering buying able paid tribute to my late wife by attending her community and we need him back; what this role means to him: funeral. Those visits were, and remain, special whilst keeping a check on the to me. Grief is a terrible time and through it he is an amazing person. “Prior to my becoming a Volunteer with GMP I budgets of a number of concurrent all my chums at Stalybridge have been very PC John Corr had been a Volunteer with Victim Support and projects. Colin has three children supportive. the Witness Service for a few years following with his late wife Gladys, Valerie, retirement from regular employment. In the Neighbourhood Beat Officer years before retirement I had been associated Steven and Janet. with GMP through Homewatch for many years. Yes I have so many things PC Marie Hodgkinson, ‘beat bobby’ for my area a very happy memory for me as again I felt to be thankful to GMP and at that time, was aware that I was looking for an essential member of the team whom was additionally throughout this something more challenging and satisfying. trusted to fulfil this role. Since then there has time of self-isolation. I know been many other school visits of various kinds. not when I will be able to My “retirement” was about to take on a return to volunteering yet, and direction when Marie popped too see me Most of the tasks with GMP I’ve been involved for how long, age is slowly and asked if I was interested in becoming a in concern interaction and dialogue with the taking its toll. One thing that is Volunteer with GMP, to say I was surprised is people of my hometown, many that I have certain is that I will always be an understatement. Truthfully, I was delighted, known for a lifetime – a role I’ve thoroughly thankful to GMP for affording especially as I thought I was way too old to be loved and enjoyed. These experiences gave me the opportunity to continue considered worthy of being invited to become me a new lease life for which I will forever helping the people of my a Volunteer. The forms were duly completed be grateful to GMP and all my colleagues at hometown.” and following an interview I became a fully- Stalybridge.

12 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 13 clubs, pony clubs, Police Cadets and clinics offering workshops and tutorials. These hands- on sessions, educating on crime prevention, Karen receiving her Silver Commendable legislation, safety and welfare, prove very Service Award in 2019 from Chief popular and we have already taken bookings for Superintendent Nicky Porter this year. Karen joined GMP in January 2012 as a Along with Volunteers I attend events such as Volunteer Police Cadet Leader in Leigh, Greater shows, livery yards and car boot sales security Manchester. marking tack and equipment with specialist Karen says: “I would like to thank GMP for all tools to help stamp out theft. their help and support over the years. I have I have been busy with my role while COVID-19 enjoyed, and am still enjoying, being part of has been prevalent, many equestrians and GMP and the Volunteer Police Cadets and have farmers have been affected by gates being gained a lot of knowledge about law from the left open by walkers, animals being fed grass police officers I have volunteered with which NORTH WALES cuttings, yew and potatoes often proving fatal has helped me develop additional skills for my to horses. I have had warning signs printed GMP POLICE paid job as security officer (CCTV) at Asda.” POLICE SUPPORT and this has been popular nationally. Horses “I would also like to thank the Force for all the are continuing to escape from their fields but SUPPORT awards and recognition I have received as a VOLUNTEER: all have been reunited with their owners (social Police Support Volunteer. I have met lots of distancing was applied). VOLUNTEER: HORSE WATCH nice people, and also been to some fantastic COORDINATOR, VOLUNTEER CADET ceremonies and events.” LEADER,KAREN “I feel very valued as a Police Support Volunteer HELEN LACEY and know that I have made a difference to people’s lives so ….Thank you GMP” “I am in my 10th year of being a Police Support DICKENSON Volunteer with North Wales Police. The role of Horse Watch Coordinator covers all the six counties of North Wales and I manage a team of 11 Volunteers who each cover their local area.

After becoming a victim of crime I created a This year so far has been a busy year for Watch Scheme in 2010 which expanded and is me. Firstly with the flooding that affected so now supported by North Wales Police. many horses in and Bangor on Dee; however, with the help from RSPCA and I noticed that the public are less aware of members of Horse Watch, all were saved. incidents due to lack of an alert messaging Welfare cases have been on the rise with the system, therefore have created a specific help from the Volunteers and welfare agencies database for rural communities to log their there was a successful conclusion to all cases. horses, equipment and trailers and receive pertinent information; this is proving to be very Early March I was delighted to receive the successful. I have also designed a transport Citizens in Policing Award from Chief security pack for trailers, quads, horseboxes Carl Foulkes at St George’s Hotel and caravans which is approved by North for my contribution to North Wales Police Wales Police. throughout the year. I am just glad I have made a difference and able to help organisations with As I believe crime prevention starts with their work and people in the rural communities. education, along with my team of Volunteers, We are all working together for a safe and we visit universities, colleges, young farmers secure rural community.”

14 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 15 Maura received an amazing rainbow made by her Italian have been made very welcome and had the 6 year’s old opportunity to meet some very interesting nephew Simone people. It is also good to know the people who who lives in use the service are always very grateful for the the North of Italy Simone commenced convenience of saving them time and hassle. lockdown with his family 27th April until For the first six months I was based at Patch- recently. way and the main tasks were getting medicines for our “guests” in the custody suite, taking po- them, offering my help and my natural energy: lice officers to and from court and between the the best decision in my life! various police stations. I was then transferred GMP POLICE SUPPORT to Kenneth Steele House, where the balance of I met an amazing team at the Museum lead tasks changed a bit. There were still Court runs VOLUNTEER: MUSEUM by Katie and Helen where I continually learn and taking police officers between the stations (We had an amazing trip to the Nottingham but with more emphasis with Portishead Head- VOLUNTEER, MAURA National Justice Museum) something new and I quarters and on collecting and delivering urgent PASINI am looking forward to all the potential projects parcels around the country including evidential in the future ...especially now that I’m also property. The volunteer role has more recently Maura volunteers at the GMP Police Museum learning a new language: Espanol!” been extended to collecting and delivering po- and she tells us why she volunteers and how “Grazie and Gracias” lice vehicles, marked and unmarked, for ser- she now feels at home in Manchester. vicing and maintenance, to and from Cabot to police locations all over the Force area – Bristol “Buongiorno - sono Italiana!” and various Somerset locations. All aspects of “I mainly moved to the UK to improve my the volunteer driver role provide me with a lot of English and for football reasons as I have a satisfaction and enjoyment. degree in Sociology (Criminology department AVON & SOMERSET: Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 I’ve had to with specialisation in Stadium Crime and suspend my volunteer work for the Police. My Prevention) and my dream was one day, to do VOLUNTEER DRIVER, wife and I are both retired and as my wife has a the same in Manchester. IAN GRATTON problem with asthma, we’ve been self-isolating I started to work in hospitality , where currently for two months now. There’s a skeleton crew I’m still working – but furloughed due to “I’ve been retired now for a few years and a of volunteer drivers still out there but they’ve COVID-19, as this is a great opportunity to use Police Support Volunteer driver for the past stopped giving lifts to police personnel and as much as possible my English with the hope couple of years. I’d been hankering after doing concentrate on collecting and delivering cars to of finally progressing into a career applying something for the community and my wife saw and from the service centre. Even so, they have my degree knowledge as well as still being the advert for volunteer drivers in the local to take lots of precautions – masks, gloves, able to utilise my “people/emphatic” skills paper. I applied, went through vetting and was cleansing. within English culture. I do completely feel appointed. I really enjoy my volunteering role Mancunian; I can sing “Blue Moon” now! for the Police. It gets me out of the house for I must say, I’m really looking forward to getting one or two days a week and it’s introduced back to my voluntary duties. At least there’s an Last year, I decided to become more involved me to a whole new circle of people. I’ve been outline timetable now. I miss the camaraderie in the projects that the Manchester community enormously surprised at how friendly the police of the police family, so I’m hoping I can resume was offering and I applied to volunteer for family is and I, like my volunteer colleagues, volunteering again in June or July.” GMP and Manchester Cathedral, as I wanted to base myself with a “social people network” which gives me something to learn from each Maura took this photo one “clapforcarers” experience. In return I can give my support to evening where the Cathedral was lit up in blue.

16 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 17 Margaret has been a Police Support Volunteer from so many of the PSVs was heartwarming in the Evidence Management Unit (EMU) for and demonstrated their ever-present community about 15 years; she attends four days a week. spirit with offers of help; offers to do anything She is professional, hardworking and friendly that was needed that might free up police to other members of staff. There is no task that officers and staff for key tasks. she won’t do and after 15 years is still eager and keen to do the right thing always. It was recognised at an early stage that the impact of the lockdown may affect the number of mental health related issues. With the Mental Health (MH) coordinator busy elsewhere, PSV Lynn Chantrey who has been assisting with the incident and data capture (amongst other PSV roles) for the last three years stepped in to help; offering to continue with her role to allow Margaret is a corner stone for Evidence Man- the most up-to-date and accurate reporting of agement at Newbury, with her vast experience MH incident across the county. and can do attitude. Not only is she one of the longest members of EMU, as a Volunteer, she Lynn volunteers from Police Headquarters is not paid for her time. She returns property to and has been able to continue, exercising the owners after it has been authorised for return, most rigorous of social distancing measures; and as she is so good at this, has been asked a task made somewhat easier in that the staff to help other Stations, which, of course, she in the office were mostly working from home. was thrilled to do. She continued giving up her Wednesdays to carry out her role and has delivered a valuable SUPPORT VOLUNTEER: service to the Force. Lynn said, “It was the right thing to do. The Force needed the data and I LYNN CHANTREY BEM was happy to do what I could to help.”

The COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be a Like everyone, Lynn is hoping for things to go testing time for policing and for many of those back to normal so that she can get involved dedicated individuals who give up their time in her other roles which include: role play to help their local police force. It’s the same in volunteer for student practical’s; helping with Lincolnshire. Although the County hasn’t been the administration of the Force’s Operation as badly affected by Coronavirus as other parts Signature, supporting victims of fraud; and of the country, everyone has been touched by Operation REVIVE, where volunteers support the consequences of the virus and many have vulnerable people in the community; and lost family or friends or know of someone who helping to administer the Force’s Ride Along If Margaret was not at Newbury her loss would has. Scheme. On top of everyday life and her be felt, not just by the EMU Team, but also by Lincolnshire has over 200 Police Support volunteering, Lynn also finds time to play the other Stations as well. Margaret’s tasks Volunteers (PSVs) who would normally help wheelchair basketball and led the Lincolnshire of sending letters and returning property puts across numerous areas of the Force. With the Police Interceptors Team to the top of the local TVP POLICE SUPPORT (TVP) in a good light, by lockdown normal business for volunteers came wheelchair basketball competition last season. providing an effective and efficient service to VOLUNTEER: to an abrupt halt and officers and staff were the community. Thank you, Lynn for all that you do. MARGARET PALLIN diverted to more pressing roles. The response

18 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 19 Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peter was brought LANCASHIRE CYBER Volunteers have looked for other opportunities SUFFOLK POLICE in to assist at Bury to get involved in and many of them have St Edmunds (BSE) VOLUNTEERS signed up to act as telephone befrienders SUPPORT workshop as the two to continue supporting the community. This The Cyber Volunteers at Lancashire PSVs who usually demonstrates the commitment of the team to VOLUNTEERS: Constabulary have actively engaged with the volunteer there have not only help educate about the cyber world but Lancashire community throughout the past two been unable to attend support the community through an uncertain GRAHAM ASHWELL years. The team aged between 20 and 70 years for their usual voluntary duties. With the limited time. has reached out to over 19,000 individuals & PETER LETCHER number of retailers being open, Peter has been and this figure grows weekly. In March, the As the manager of the Cyber Volunteers, Olivia collecting parts from outside of the county in volunteers were winners of the Business Whilst the majority of PSVs have been ‘stood Dodding, Lancashire’s Cyber Protect and order to continue to repair vehicles, which has Support and Volunteer Section at the Tilley down’ during the Coronavirus Pandmic, two Prevent Officer, looks forward to developing the been an immense help to the Workshop Team Awards. The award reflects their hard work and individuals are continuing to assist within the cyber-volunteering programme further. at BSE. commitment to the volunteering programme. Transport Services Department. Graham has also given assistance to Stores, The Cyber Volunteers engage with a wide delivering a quantity of wipes to distribute variety of individuals from community groups, around the County. He has also assisted with schools, colleges, universities, businesses, and the ordering and distribution of spares and faith groups. They educate individuals on cyber tyres which continue to be required all over the awareness and staying safe online including County. two-factor authentication, password security, and social engineering. Providing these inputs Since the restrictions were put in place, Graham equips individuals with vital steps to help has volunteered 143 hours (and counting!) to protect themselves and their family online. assist in this capacity, coming in most weekdays Where necessary, the Volunteers also educate to provide this invaluable support from PHQ. individuals on the law and consequences surrounding involvement in cybercrime. Mark Davy, Head of Transport Services says: Doing so helps encourage the prevention of “Graham has always been such a great asset Some of the team at the Lord Ferrers Awards in cybercrime within Lancashire and positively to Transport Services. He is so very committed, 2019 diverts potential offenders. hard working and nothing is ever too much trouble. With the COVID-19 situation, Graham has been able to increase his volunteering presence and is providing additional support to other areas of the department. Graham is very versatile and can adapt to changing situations and always with a smile. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of Police Support Volunteers in Transport Services, and with the addition of Peter during this challenging PSVs Graham Ashwell, who is currently situation, we have been able to continue to furloughed from his day job, usually volunteers provide a vital service to the officers on the his time for Transport Services and Peter ground.” Letcher, who is retired, normally volunteers as a Role Player within L&D, have been delivering Peter and Graham recently delivered and collecting police vehicles to locations across the region for use by Police Officers back a Norfolk marked police vehicle to during COVID-19, ensuring that the time of Great Yarmouth, as it had been repaired Officers and Staff is best made and not spent at Police Headquarters (PHQ), so quite driving vehicles around. Routine work such as an area covered and time taken up. collecting and delivering vehicles for servicing, repairs and MOT tests has also continued.

20 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS Issue 30 Issue 30 VOLUNTEERING MATTERS 21 The groups press officer, Nigel Spencer, was to older adult groups such as Probus, Rotary, LEICESTERSHIRE one of the first group members to get involved AVON & SOMERSET Women’s Institute and other senior clubs, with POLICE VOLUNTEERS with the pharmacy deliveries. He says: “I grew co-volunteer Jon Williams undertaking similar up in a rural community in the 1970s and we SENIOR CITIZENS endeavours in the Gwent . DELIVER 700 would all work to help each other out. It became PHARMACY part of my DNA to join the 4x4 Response Group LIAISON TEAM Once the COVID-19 lockdown was in place, and to become a Police Support Volunteer. VOLUNTEERS: it became clear that the traditional means PACKAGES TO Supporting our communities in times of need of communication was neither available nor VULNERABLE and helping the people who help you is what we JON WILLIAMS & appropriate – the venues were closed and do best.” much of the audience was self-isolating due Volunteers from have ASH JONES MBE to their age. The SCLT has already invested in delivered more than 700 prescriptions to The Volunteers are all trained in basic first setting up a website (Ash is Webmaster) but vulnerable people and those who are self- aid and are able to manage the scene of an sourced video equipment so that they could isolating. accident or breakdown until the emergency get the message across via the web. Jon services arrive. Williams and Ash alternate in producing short The Police Volunteers who are involved in the Chief Inspector Paul Allen, from Leicestershire SCLT videos. There have been a number of deliveries are members of the Leicestershire Police, said: “The Leicestershire and Rutland COVID-19 themed safety videos so far, with and Rutland 4x4 Response Group, a registered 4x4 Response Group have been really more being filmed, edited and published on a charity officering assistance innovative in adapting the week-by-week basis. Some of the videos have to the Emergency Services way in which they work to reached in excess of 6,000 viewers, so SCLT is and Local Authorities. help their communities. I’m probably reaching a larger audience now than The group’s primary role is proud that our Police Support The Senior Citizens Liaison Team (SCLT) is a before the lockdown. registered charity aimed at promoting safety to provide 4x4 transport in Volunteers are able to be a for senior citizens by alerting them to risks of “I doubt we’ll ever go completely back to how times of severe weather, part of that and can really financial exploitation from criminal activity and it was before the lockdown,” said Ash, “but transporting essential make a difference during this promoting mutual support amongst the senior the personal touch is important, and I enjoy personnel or supplies to challenging time. Well done community. DS Ash Jones helped set up the the personal feedback I get in face-to-face affected areas. This is the all!” presentations. In future we’ll continue with first time the team have SCLT along with his accountant wife, who acts Anyone interested in the videos and probably scale back on the focussed their efforts on as Treasurer, and a former colleague from finding out more about presentations to ensure that our reach expands pharmacy deliveries. , Sergeant Jon Williams. The total Leicestershire and Rutland’s to meet the needs of our vulnerable audience.” number of active volunteers has fluctuated over Chairman of the group, 4x4 Response is encouraged the years, from a high of approximately 20, to a Simon Dale, said: “We are to visit the website: core team of 4 stalwart Volunteers. https://youtu.be/AHNuxTaVHr4 doing what we do best, www.lr4x4response.org.uk supporting our communities. Normally our help Remarkably in 2017 the SCLT was awarded Leicestershire Police is also supporting a 1st place in the United Nations Public Services is in response to bad weather conditions but in the strange situation we now find ourselves in, new website which can help people across Award, the only organisation from the United Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to find Kingdom to have won this prestigious award we’ve found a new way in which we can help people. Since Friday 27 March we’ve completed support teams during the Covid-19 pandemic. in its 20+year history. Ash collected the award The One Prepared website includes information at a ceremony at The Hague. One award led more than 700 pharmacy deliveries and we’re continuing to deliver up to 90 parcels each day.” and advice on helping to look after vulnerable to another and Ash was awarded the MBE for people and help those suffering financial Services to the Senior Community in 2019, and Initially the group were approached by a hardship. commented somewhat ruefully, “But for the pharmacy in Melton Mowbray as a solution COVID-19 lockdown, I would have been going to ensure that prescriptions would reach the It was created as part of the ongoing multi- to Buckingham Palace to receive my MBE this most vulnerable or those self-isolating. Now agency work the Force is undertaking with week.” Link to one of the Senior Safety Video hosted the group are delivering for three additional partners as part of Leicester, Leicestershire on the YouTube platform and Rutland’s Local Resilience Forum. Further Before the COVID-19 Lockdown, Ash Jones large pharmacies across the county and have received enquiries regarding the distribution information can be found by visiting the website: was delivering approximately 50 face-to-face, www.llrprepared.org.uk/one-prepared/ senior safety presentations per year, generally of food supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE).

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