The fifth annual National Personal Safety Awards in central London marked work across the UK to help keep people safe from the risk of violence and aggression. Organisers the Suzy Lamplugh Trust recognised good practice in the field of personal safety. The awards were presented by BBC TV Crimewatch presenter Jacqui Haimes.
Director of Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Rachel Griffin, said after the mid-November lunch event: “The judges were extremely impressed with this year’s entries. The range of their work and commitment to personal safety was remarkable and it was hard to choose between them. However, we felt that those who won the awards were truly outstanding.
She added: “We were extremely pleased that Jacqui Haimes could present this year’s awards. Throughout her career she has demonstrated a passion for personal safety and we can’t think of anyone more suitable for the job.
“The Trust is really grateful to Jacqui, the sponsors for their support and all those who took the time and effort to nominate people for the awards.”
The following awards were presented:
National Personal Safety Day Award (sponsored by Ladbrokes) to the organisation that has done the most to promote personal safety within their own organisation, school/college or local community in and around last year’s National Personal Safety Day. This award went to Lee Garner, Security Manager for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, for his exceptional work in raising the profile of personal safety and National Personal Safety Day, not only throughout his own health board but across the NHS in Wales.
Safer Workplace Award (sponsored by lone worker safety product company Geonovo) to the employer who has done the most to improve personal safety awareness among staff.
This went to Centrica and British Gas for their hard work and comprehensive approach to personal safety, which has now been fully embedded within the culture of the whole organisation. They were also chosen because of the commitment both organisations have shown towards their employees’ well-being.
Safer Community Award (sponsored by Ladbrokes) to the local group, individual or local authority that has done the most to spread awareness of personal safety within their local community.
This went to Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch Association for the innovative and creative ways in which they engaged all parts of the community, especially young children. Overall the judges were really impressed with the great ideas they have implemented to help promote personal safety in their local area.
Inspiring Individual Award (sponsored by Ladbrokes) to the individual who has done the most to promote personal safety throughout his/her organisation, school or community.
This award went to Jason Oldroyd from Ravenscliffe High School – a special secondary school in Calderdale, Halifax – for the personal commitment he has demonstrated towards improving personal safety at his school. He was also chosen because of the innovative ways in which he spread awareness across the community, which also engaged local partners.
Taking Stalking Seriously Award, to the individual, community group or organisation that has done the most to support victims of stalking, or has campaigned and helped to raise awareness of the issues surrounding stalking.
This went to Harry Fletcher of NAPO (National Association of Probation Officers) and Laura Richards of PAS (Protection Against Stalking) for their successful work campaigning for stalking to be recognised as a named crime within England and Wales.
Inspiring Individual Award in the field of stalking awareness, to the individual who has done the most to campaign and educate people about stalking and harassment.
This went to Tracey Morgan for her lifelong commitment and dedication to improving the support of stalking victims. By using her own experiences, she has helped other victims to be heard and taken seriously. She continues to campaign and educate others on this pernicious crime.
Diana and Paul Lamplugh Award
This award – only in its second year – went posthumously to Linda Shanahan, who worked for the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives in Hamilton, Scotland, for her commitment to personal safety. Her work has had a long lasting impact on the working lives of many people in Scotland.
Those who wish to register their interest for National Personal Safety Awards 2013 should email [email protected]; or call 020 7091 0014.
Notes
Suzy Lamplugh Trust seeks to raise awareness of the importance of personal safety to help people to avoid violence and aggression and live safer, more confident lives. Visit www.suzylamplugh.org
