VOLUNTEERS across Hampshire have been thanked for the difference they make within communities.
Starting from June 1 to June 7, is Volunteers' Week, an annual celebration that recognises the contributions made by millions of people who get involved and give back.
Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones, recently held an annual ceremony to thank staff and volunteers where special sergeant Daniel Van Gelder was awarded this year’s Police Special of the Year award.
He said: “My day job is as a chartered surveyor, which I love, but policing offers an opportunity to support my community.
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“I’ve helped people at their most vulnerable and sometimes just been there as a friendly face. Recently, I stopped a male from jumping from a 14th-storey rooftop, which took all of my physical and mental strength, but the feeling afterwards when I took him home safely can’t be matched.”
Some volunteers also represent the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and for young people, they can be part of the strategic Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG) or the Youth Commission (YC).
The YIAG is made up of young people, who are independent of the police and meet six times a year to review and challenge policing practices.
Young people apart of the YC help shape decisions about policing and crime.
Bryony, a 22-year-old YC member, said: “My current role is being a mentor for the Domestic Abuse sub group which helps raise awareness and communicates with other young people about domestic abuse. I specifically joined the YC to help tackle violence against women and girls.”
Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) also play a vital part in volunteering across Hampshire.
ICVs are members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are being held.
Deepa, who has been volunteering as an ICV in North Hampshire for roughly a year and a half, said: “I enjoy talking to people from all walks of life and hearing their stories. It’s always rewarding to know that I have helped people to feel less alone, to understand their rights, and to get them the support they need.”
PCC Donna Jones added: “The contribution they all make to their communities and to policing across the two counties as a whole is invaluable, and we are so grateful for their dedication.
“Volunteers are at the heart of their neighbourhoods and with their knowledge and expertise they help officers bring about change, and they should rightly be celebrated this week and indeed every week.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer at hampshire.police.uk or for voluntary roles at the Office of the PCC visit hampshire-pcc.gov.uk.
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