HAMPSHIRE public servants and volunteers were honoured at the High Sheriff of Hampshire Awards. 

The awards were presented to 23 people by High Sheriff Amelia Riviere at the Wessex Learning Centre near Winchester Cathedral on Thursday, March 14. 

Hugh Sanderson is a listening volunteer for Winchester and District Samaritans and has worked with people in times of need for more than 12 years. He was recognised for his dedication to training, coaching and supporting prison listeners at  Winchester Prison. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Amelia Riviere with Hugh Sanderson

He said: “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to lead our team of volunteers at HMP Winchester. We take time to train and support groups of prisoners as listeners who provide face to face support to other prisoners at any time of the day or night. They do this as volunteers and receive no pay or perks for their service. 

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“People in prison are very vulnerable and among the highest risk group for death by suicide, so this is a public service that really matters. It saves lives, reduces harm and provides hope for the callers and at the same time gives the listeners valuable life skills and a sense of contributing to others. It is a welcome tribute to the whole team, Samaritans and volunteers, to have this work recognised today.”

Winchester Cathedral Custos (head verger) Daren Gibb also received an award for his 20 years of service. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Daren Gibb with Amelia Riviere

Ms Rivière said: "In my time as High Sheriff I have been wowed by how many extraordinary people I have met doing extraordinary things to improve our communities and the outcome for individuals. This year, we received a great number of nominations, making it very hard to choose the final list of awardees. 

“This demonstrates the breadth of positive work being undertaken right across Hampshire to support our criminal justice system. Those who were recognised in this year’s awards have gone above and beyond to improve people’s lives, and often in very difficult situations. It was an honour meeting the individuals face to face to thank them for their hard work and commitment.” 

Jacqui Scott, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation CEO, said: “Crime can have a huge impact on individuals and communities and the people who work to increase safety in our communities are often behind the scenes supporting people with complex problems. But the difference this can make to communities is huge. 

“HIWCF is yet again delighted to have supported the High Sheriff of Hampshire in celebrating our voluntary sector groups and volunteers, the people who willingly go the extra mile to make Hampshire a better place to live and work. Every year we are inspired by the wonderful work of those receiving an award and the many people who truly go above and beyond to make Hampshire a great place to live.”


Full list of awardees presented with a High Sheriff of Hampshire Award 2024:

  • Dave Shaw, Usher, Winchester Crown Court
  • Dawn Woodcock, Usher, Winchester Crown Court
  • Gemma Stirton, Head of Westhill, HMP Winchester
  • Jaki Brooks, Westhill, HMP Winchester
  • Joshua Phillips, Librarian, HMP Winchester
  • Lina Watts (retired), HMP Winchester
  • Winchester Community Court
  • Daren Gibb, Head Virger, Winchester Cathedral
  • Michele Price (retired), CEO, Winchester Beacon
  • Hugh Sanderson, Samaritans Listening Volunteer, Winchester & District Samaritans
  • Tony Goldsby, Trustee, Trinty Winchester
  • Basingstoke Hate Crime Awareness Group
  • Jema Paull, CEO, Synergy Security
  • Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) Advisor Team
  • South West Legal Admin (Rota Team)
  • Special Constable Mike Garside, Cyber Crime Team, Hampshire & IOW Constabulary
  • Terry Bryant, Volunteer Police Cadet, Hampshire & IOW Constabulary
  • Rod Humphries, Mentor Programme Lead, The Hampton Trust
  • Tim Ward, Volunteer, The Footprints Project
  • Citizens Advice Witness Service