High Sheriff Awards celebrate charitable projects addressing mental health issues

Sally Burton DL, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, publicly recognised and rewarded ten Hertfordshire voluntary organisations at the 2023 High Sheriff Awards ceremony held on Thursday, 9 March 2023.

The annual Awards, now in their 28th year, celebrate the excellent work undertaken by charitable groups and individuals who have made a significant contribution to Hertfordshire’s communities.

This year’s Awards focused on highlighting Hertfordshire organisations who support people dealing with some of the challenges exacerbated by the recent pandemic, with a special emphasis on mental health issues, mainly those involving addiction to drugs and alcohol, and the problems which stem from addiction such as domestic abuse and homelessness.

Sally Burton said, “My year as High Sheriff has been enlightening and rewarding. I have come across many wonderful charities and voluntary groups who do so much to help those struggling to deal with chaos in their lives and those with challenging mental health issues. It is important to celebrate their successes, and the support they give to others, making Hertfordshire a better place to live for everyone.

“Members of the judging panel were inspired by all the nominations, and it was an extremely difficult job to shortlist the winners.

“I am delighted to have been able to celebrate some of the very special people and organisations across Hertfordshire for the outstanding work they do in the county with ex-offenders, those in recovery from addictions to drugs and alcohol, or those experiencing domestic abuse.”

The groups recognised were:

Friends of SADA (Survivors Against Domestic Abuse) – for their work with victims and survivors of domestic abuse through crisis intervention and signposting suited to individual needs.

HACRO for the support they give those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, allowing them to turn their lives around.

Resolve for helping those suffering from substance misuse issues, homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.

The Living Room for their work in providing free, time-unlimited group-based therapy for adults living in Hertfordshire with any type of addiction.

The Recover Team Ltd for their furniture upcycling project that supports the recovery of vulnerable, marginalised adults affected by mental health issues linked to substance abuse, alcoholism, a criminal record, homelessness, domestic abuse or being a victim of crime.

CDA Herts for their Jobs Pathway programme, a ‘one-stop’ community service, offering marginalised people (including ex-offenders, long-term unemployed, refugees, people with poor mental health, disabilities or addiction), help to achieve wellbeing and the ability to access work.

The following groups were recognised for their achievements in strengthening the community as we emerge from the pandemic:

ELSA Next Generation for their bespoke educational programmes working with troubled young people, facing trauma and anxiety.

Herts Vision Loss for their work in supporting and empowering blind and visually impaired people.

Kaotic Angels Foundation for how they come together as a motorcycle club to provide practical assistance and food to those who are vulnerable, elderly, disabled or find themselves in need.

Hand on Heart for their provision of food parcels and winter warmer packs to people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups.

In recognition of their outstanding work each organisation received a financial contribution funded through the High Sheriff’s Fund, a charitable fund managed by Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

In addition to the High Sheriff Awards, some non-monetary High Sheriff Personal Awards were also presented to the following people:

Lynn Whitnall, CEO of Paradise Wildlife Park and Director of The Zoological Society of Hertfordshire who has raised thousands of pounds for charities and conservation projects.

Gordon Morrison, for his philanthropy, in particular for his role in co-founding ‘Helping Herts’ and raising money for 12 children and young people’s charities across Hertfordshire.

Detective Sergeant Rob Scott, leader of the Hertford, Ware and Bishop’s Stortford Police Cadets, whose team of cadets have helped multiple High Sheriffs. He was recognised for guiding hundreds of young people, many of whom have gone on to have careers in the police.

Sharon Russell, from the office of the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Police for her constant support to the High Sheriff during the year.

Joe Heeney, CEO of Resolve, for being a shining example of someone with lived experience supporting and inspiring others to overcome adversity.

Penny Carey, Diana, Kirsch, Shane O’Mahony and Sue Whiterod for their role in organising the High Sheriff’s Symposium on Substance Misuse.

In her year, Sally has sponsored a police dog in collaboration with the Hertfordshire Constabulary. TPD Sheriff and her handler PC Rebecca Clark were introduced and given a High Sheriff’s badge.

Helen Gray, Foundation Director for Hertfordshire Community Foundation said, “We are delighted to once again be involved in the High Sheriff Awards which give countywide recognition to the outstanding work of charitable and community groups in Hertfordshire. This year’s awards have helped to highlight how local organisations are working to address mental health issues and overcome some of the problems that stem from addiction to make Hertfordshire a better place to live for everyone. Congratulations to each of the award winners.”

Ends
About the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire:
The High Sheriff is appointed by His Majesty the King to represent him in the County of Hertfordshire in matters relating to law and order. In practice, this means supporting the judges, police, magistrates, prison and probation services, the armed forces, emergency services and the wide range of other public and voluntary sector and community services that work towards making Hertfordshire a better place for everyone.
About Hertfordshire Community Foundation:
Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) is an independent charity that encourages local giving. Donations received are turned into grants to support grassroots charities and voluntary groups working to improve the lives of vulnerable people and create stronger local communities in Hertfordshire. Every penny raised stays within the county.

Since inception in 1988, HCF has awarded over £25 million in grant aid support to local communities. HCF currently manages over 100 charitable funds on behalf of individuals, families, companies and other organisations.

During 2021/2022 over £3.8m was awarded in grant aid to charitable groups working to tackle identified need in Hertfordshire and make Hertfordshire a better place to live, for everyone.

For further information:
Please contact Danielle Hood, Marketing Officer for HCF via email on danielle.hood@hertscf.org.uk or call 01707 280333