2 June 2010
Search for Local Heroes Begins
South Wales Police Authority is today launching the search for the 2010 Community Safety Volunteer of the Year.
The awards, which are in their sixth year are for anyone who volunteers to keep their local community safe, for example youth club leaders or neighbourhood watch volunteers.
This year there are four categories:
-
Community Safety Volunteer of the Year
-
Young Community Safety Volunteer of the Year (must be under 21)
-
Community Safety Volunteer Team of the Year
-
Community Safety Initative
Last years overall winner was Croeserw Youth Action Group, from Port Talbot, for their work in the local community. The group of four young people aged between 14 and 16 have worked to make their local area a better place to live. Last year they were walking around their local area and noticed rubbish and that the community needed some work. They set up their action group with the Communities First Team, to tackle these and other issues.
Since setting it up last year they have organised meetings with local Councillors and police officers, have worked on environmental projects, including rubbish collections, and have organised a teens disco. In addition, they have helped to break down barriers between young and older people.
Previous winners of the award have included June Johnson, from Splott, Cardiff, for her working in helping to curb anti-social behaviour on the Bayside estate in the capital, Tammie Richards, for her work with young people in the Maesteg area, and Saifur Rahman, from Port Talbot, for his work in integrating different communities.
Chair of the Police Authority, Councillor Russell Roberts, said: “The awards are an excellent way to reward the hard working people in our communities who assist the force and the authority in performing well. Without their determination our streets would not be as safe as they are.
“This year will be the sixth time we have run the awards. Over the years we have been lucky enough to receive a large number of nominations which highlight the incredible work done everyday by people across South Wales. Our nominees have included people from 10 years old up to 90, and from a range of backgrounds. We hope this continues this year.”
Previous nominees have included those who work with Neighbourhood Watch, people who run youth clubs or coach sports teams and volunteers of victim support.
Councillor Roberts concluded: “I would encourage anyone in the community to nominate someone they think deserves recognition for the hard work they do.”
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony in September, where the prizes will be awarded by Councillor Russell Roberts and Chief Constable, Peter Vaughan.