Police volunteers from Avon & Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire and British Transport Police came together to celebrate the contribution of volunteers in the region and acknowledge those who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. 

Hosted at the STEAM Museum in Swindon by Wiltshire Police on Sunday 20 October, the South West Region Volunteers in Policing Awards recognised the commitment and dedication of special constables, police support volunteers, police cadets and cadet leaders from all five police forces in the South West and British Transport Police. 

Attendees included volunteer award nominees, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Dr Olivia Chapple OBE EMH, Angus Macpherson, Deputy Lieutenant, Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners from across the region. Guests were also treated to performances from the Highworth and Ramsbury Brass Band and Swindon based Pop Soul Gospel (PSG) Choir.

Chief Constable, Catherine Roper said: “It is a true honour to have hosted this year’s awards in Swindon on behalf of the South West region in recognition of all the dedicated and hard-working volunteers, who continue to give their precious free time to keeping our communities safe.

“It’s been truly inspiring to celebrate the individual contributions of our volunteers who have chosen to dedicate themselves to uplifting others, creating ripples of positivity which have gone further than their direct impact. I congratulate all nominees and award winners.

“These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to pay tribute to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and we simply could not serve our communities without them. I am so very grateful for all they do.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson said: “Volunteering places citizens at the heart of policing, giving the public a greater voice and enabling ordinary people to play an active role in the safety of their local area. 

 

“It is without doubt that no police force could run effectively without the support and dedication of its army of volunteers who each bring a wealth of skills and experience from their civilian lives to enhance and compliment the work in our respective police areas. 

“My congratulations and appreciation to all our award winners and nominees for the contribution they are making to make our region a better and safer place to live.”

Neighbourhood Harm Reduction Lead, Jenn Holton said: “I am incredibly proud of, and passionate about, our volunteers in policing because they embody the spirit of community service and dedication to public safety. They help bridge the gap between policing and the public, helping to deliver our objectives and build trust within the community. 

“Volunteers in policing are the unsung heroes who play a crucial role in crime prevention, community engagement, and support, making our neighbourhoods safer and stronger and it’s wonderful to be able to recognise them in this way.”

This year, first year graphic design students at New College Swindon were invited to take part in a competition to create and design the branding for the awards. All 39 students took part, of which, 12 were submitted for the judging panel. Erika Mihalache was selected the winner and came up with the design, from the programme and menu cards, to the place cards and banner stands. She was able to attend the ceremony and see her creativity realised.

Wiltshire police cadets – young people who give up their time to support a range of police activities – also helped at the event with car parking duties and signing guests in. 

The event organisers would like to thank the Steam Museum for hosting the ceremony. The support was appreciative of event sponsors Wadworth’s Brewery and TH White Group, local condiments business, Tracklements, The Best Ever Brownie Company, Zippy Sweets and local outlets of Tesco and Sainsbury’s, who donated goods for attendees’ favour bags.

Award categories and winners: