Heroes recognised by Police and Crime Commissioner at Deganwy awards

The evening marked a welcome return for the awards following a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event took place at the Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy and saw more than 100 guests come together from across the general public, police, emergency services, charities, and the wider third sector in North Wales.

The awards recognise the often-unsung heroes who work in the background to support victims, support rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood and impact of crime across the region.

The nomination process saw police officers, staff, and volunteers from North Wales Police put forward suggestions of people they have worked with in the community as winners.

A new aspect of the awards this year was sponsorship of the different categories by businesses in the area.

Each company donated £300 to be given to a good cause specifically to further build on their hard work in the community.

Each winner’s name was engraved, along with the sponsor’s, on the special glass trophy presented for each award category by the Commissioner.

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North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, said: “I am delighted to recognise the contribution of so many people across North Wales to their communities and their hard work in supporting the work of the police and emergency services.

“A special feature of these awards is that they shine a light on people in our society who work tirelessly – often behind the scenes – to make a difference.

“My Community Awards are all about bringing that contribution centre stage and thanking the winners on behalf of the people of North Wales for all that they do.”

The full list of winners is:

Rural and Wildlife Champion – sponsored by NFU Cymru

• Malcolm Ingham

Malcolm, who lives in Ruthin, is a retired wildlife ranger who is an expert in badgers and badger setts.

He has come to the assistance of North Wales Police on many occasions in the past eight years to help them investigate badger sett disturbance and potential badger baiting offences.

He has worked for many years to provide expert witness evidence that has enabled the police to not only bring charges, but has led to successful prosecutions and the convictions of members of organised criminal gangs.

Malcolm said: “It was totally unexpected and a complete surprise!

“I've assisted the police for many years in investigating wildlife crime, firstly with Merseyside Police plus The National Wildlife Crime Unit and the RSPCA Special Ops Unit.

“I don't expect a reward for assisting the police in their investigations of wildlife crime; my reward is a successful prosecution particularly when a badger digger/baiter receives a custodial and I'm humbled and honoured to have been nominated and even more so to have won it!”

Safer Community Award – sponsored by Tir Prince Leisure Group

• Mesut Alkir and Jo Alkir

Mesut and Jo Alkir, from Efenechtyd in Denbighshire, have contributed significantly to the improvement of safety on the roads for young people.

Three years ago, Jo and Mesut’s daughter Olivia died tragically in a crash.

Since then, they have campaigned on road safety and have provided invaluable support to create an educational package developed with the SchoolBeat programme to educate young drivers.

Using Olivia’s story, Jo and Mesut contributed to a film which was launched in March.

They worked closely with North Wales Police to make the project true to Olivia, while ensuring its suitability for a young audience.

The film uses footage and audio from the night of the accident which makes it both hard hitting and impactful.

Young People’s Award – sponsored by CAFgas

• Ameera Ahmad, Karly Larkin, Beth Rhodes, Morgan Wall – Prestatyn High School

The “Discrimination. It stops with me” campaign was developed in Prestatyn High School in 2020 following a conversation between student, Ameera Ahmad and the deputy head teacher.

Ameera, who at the time was in Year 10, raised her concerns about discrimination and hate crime occurring in the school and the wider community.

She asked that staff to do more and address it head-on.

Ameera was joined by three fellow students, Beth Rhodes, Morgan Wall and Karly Larkin, who have all demonstrated great determination to get the project going and ensure its continued success.

The campaign has driven change and has been a vehicle to demonstrate the school’s commitment to eradicating discrimination and to bring about positive change.

It has incorporated a new lesson within the school curriculum aimed to tackle discrimination, prejudice and bullying.

The students said: “Our work has gone from sessions after school to being recognised by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

“How the group feels cannot be put into words! We are extremely grateful to receive this award, as our work is incredibly important to us.

“The group was set up by Ameera Ahmad and over the years, the group gained members that bring representation and experiences with different forms of discrimination to the table.

“The group has achieved some amazing feats, we are particularly proud of the cultural festival we had in school and the change of school policy that focusses on tackling discrimination.

“We believe the award solidifies our work and will leave our legacy in the school and community.”

Community Champion Award – sponsored by Brompton Lodge Residential Home, Rhos-on-Sea

• Meryl Williams

Meryl works as Manager at the Age Cymru Hafan Café and Drop-in Centre in Bangor City Centre.

The café provides a place for older people from the Bangor area to meet, socialise and access support if needed and they can obtain food and drink at low prices.

The purpose of the café is to promote community and social interaction for older people.

Police officers regularly hold surgeries at the café where they can talk to people about crime and issues in the community that may affect them.

Meryl’s enthusiasm for her work, keeps people coming back and therefore reduces isolation which is a key factor leading to vulnerability to crime. 

Her work also enables North Wales Police to stay connected with older people in the area. 

Meryl said: “I am very proud to win this award and it is a big achievement after the last two years, when we had to close the Age Cymru Hafan Café due to COVID.

"Loneliness is an illness that anyone can suffer from, and it is important that places like the café keep going so that people do not feel alone.

"It is lovely to have won this award and to have recognition for the work of the café and the people who visit it.”

Victim Champion – Modern Slavery

• Glory Williams

​Glory Williams has worked for BAWSO in North Wales for more than 10 years providing support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and more recently has also concentrated on supporting victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

BAWSO are a first responder organisation for modern slavery, which means they are a part of the UK’s national response framework to support and protect victims.

In her work with victims of modern slavery, Glory has demonstrated her dedication above and beyond the day job.

In an area of crime that remains largely hidden or unknown, it is of enormous support to the police to have a professional working alongside them who is an expert in the needs of modern slavery victims and how to support them effectively.

Glory said: “Winning this award from the PCC validates all my efforts in rescuing and safeguarding victims of modern-day slavery.

"To have your work recognised and appreciated is a great feeling. This award motivates me to continue to do my very best in serving our local communities here in North Wales.

"Besides supporting NWP in operations, carrying out welfare checks, training others and raising awareness,

"I will be looking for innovative ways to help victims engage with services and come out of slavery.”

Victim Champion - hate crime

• Dr Salamatu J. Fada – North Wales Africa Society

Dr Fada is co-founder and chairperson of the North Wales African Society and has worked hard in the role to maintain a good working relationship with North Wales Police.

The North Wales Africa Society (NWAS) is a community organisation based in Gwynedd.

It is a collective of members of the African diaspora and people who have a cultural interest in the countries of the African continent. Some members have been victims of hate crime.

Dr Fada has supported these people and kept contact with local police to ensure consistency of communication between all parties.

She is often a first point of contact and offers advice, support and guidance around hate crime.

She is valued by her policing team for her efforts to support victims and facilitate good communication.

Dr Fada said: “The news of this award was astounding to me.

"It is also quite humbling to know that our contributions in the community are noticed and now rewarded.

"This award will propel us to contribute more and be more determined in providing the needed support to victims of hate crime and vulnerable people in our community.”

Victims Champion Award – Domestic Abuse – sponsored by PACT North Wales

• Jessica Russell

Jess Russell, from Colwyn Bay, is a mother of 12 children who provides significant support to the police regarding domestic abuse.

She has supported initiatives that help to reduce the likelihood and impact of this crime happening to others, and also provides input into training for officers.

Jess is a domestic abuse survivor and endured severe and sustained abuse at the hands of her ex-husband for more than 18 years.

Jess has used her own story to help and support others and to contribute to training police officers and others about this type of crime and the impact upon the victim.

She talks to new police officers in training about the difficulties and barriers that victims face and she works tirelessly for victims of domestic abuse.

Partnership Award – sponsored by Knightly’s

• We Are Plas Madoc (Building Communities Trust)

The residents of Plas Madoc housing estate in Wrexham have come together to run the We Are Plas Madoc (Building Communities Trust). 

This initiative was established to bring the communities and residents of Plas Madoc together to make the most of a lottery funding grant for the good of all in the community. 

The area has experienced challenges over the years including dealing with the effects of crime and antisocial behaviour.

A number of groups and community activities have been established which promote a strong sense of community and to help to resolve any issues at an early stage or prevents them altogether.

We Are Plas Madoc hold monthly meetings of local partners including AVOW, the police and council, along with residents of the estate, to discuss any issues or things residents would like to see being implemented on the estate.

Their effective work in partnership has led to an improved and safer community.

Rehabilitation Award – sponsored by the Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy

• John Edwards

For many years, John Edwards from Rhiwlas has been visiting prisoners as a volunteer, as part of the chaplaincy team for Prison Fellowship, and then latterly to deliver Restorative Justice courses to help prisoners come to understand the impact of their actions and be supported to make changes.

John has been a volunteer for Prison Fellowship since 1995 and has attended a number of prisons including HMP Altcourse, Risley and Berwyn.

He spends much of his spare time supporting ex-offenders and those with complex needs.

His support at this level reduces the likelihood of reoffending and also gives them the opportunity to talk through any difficulties they may be facing.

Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Spillane & Co, Colwyn Bay

• Jane Ruthe

Jane Ruthe (who is based in Caernarfon) began working for the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) in 2001 when it was known as the Rape Crisis Line.

For more than 20 years, she has supported the organisation and led it to mature and grow right across North Wales.

Under Jane’s leadership, RASASC North Wales has developed significantly. Jane has structured a service where survivors can readily see and access support.

They are heard, support is non-judgemental, accessible, equitable and appropriate.

Jane’s ability to understand the survivors needs and work effectively in partnership has brought about a first-class service for victims.