Lionel Wallace DL, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire publicly recognised and rewarded thirteen Hertfordshire voluntary organisations at the 2022 High Sheriff Awards ceremony held on 10 March 2022.
The annual Awards, now in their 27th year, celebrate the excellent work undertaken by charitable groups and individuals who have made a significant contribution to Hertfordshire’s communities.
This year the ceremony was a hybrid event with attendees both in person and online, via a live stream. The Awards focused on highlighting Hertfordshire organisations who encourage opportunities for young people to advance, be confident, committed and community minded.
Lionel Wallace said, “During my year as High Sheriff I have come across many wonderful charities and voluntary groups who do so much to increase opportunities for young people to excel. It is important to share their successes so that they can motivate and inspire others, and for groups to join together to tackle challenges.
“Members of the judging panel were inspired by each of the nominated organisations and it was an extremely difficult job for the panel to shortlist the winning organisations.
“I am delighted to have been able to celebrate some of the very special people and organisations across Hertfordshire for the work they do in the county and for the difference that they are making to the lives of so many young people.”
The groups recognised were:
- Carers in Hertfordshire recognising how they involve young people in shaping services and empower young leaders.
- Future Living for their boxing classes that provide an outlet for difficult emotions that young people may experience.
- Tracks Autism for how they provide leadership skills for children living with autism.
- Youth Talk for how their youth panel enables young people to serve their community by helping to shape the services offered to young people, tackling mental health issues.
- Khalsa Football Club for their focus on community building, including crime prevention and anti-racism work. The group were also presented with a Highly Commended National Crimebeat Award in the Youth Led category.
- Children’s Integrated Playschemes (CHIPS) were recognised for how they help children with additional needs to try new things and how they involve the whole family. Siblings that have attended sessions have gone on to become young volunteers.
- Mediation Hertfordshire for how they empower young people to solve disagreements including tackling bullying.
- The Block Community Hub for how they encourage young people to pursue their interests outside of mainstream schooling to overcome hardships and improve aspirations.
- Stand By Me for their support of young people and how their young ambassadors are empowered to support their peers.
- North Mymms Youth Project for their work in giving young people a chance to take part in unusual real-life activities (off their phones), with an emphasis on resilience and self-sufficiency.
- Sopwell Community Trust for how they give young people from deprived backgrounds opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
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.
The High Sheriff also delivered some non monetary personal awards to individuals who have been Ambassadors of his Youth in Herts theme which included young entrepreneurs developing employment opportunities for ex-prisoners.
A special Award was created in honour of the late Major The Reverend Teddy Faure Walker DL who was an impassioned supporter of opportunities for young people. This Award went to HCC Service for Young People and was presented by Louise Faure Walker.
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 together to help young people to be the best that they can be and 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 Her Majesty the Queen to represent her 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 £13 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 2020/2021 £2,212,782 was awarded in grant aid to over 270 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.