Longstanding policing volunteer honoured with High Sheriff's Award for services to the community

A long-standing police support volunteer has been recognised for her service by the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire.

Henny Cameron has been volunteering with Northamptonshire Police for more than 10 years. She was presented with her award by the High Sheriff, Milan Shah MBE, who each year makes a number of personal awards in the field of law and order, to recognise and celebrate the work of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the communities in which they live or work.

Henny's volunteering career for the Force began in January 2012, following her retirement from a police staff role in the IT department. As a volunteer with the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance, she contributes to improving road safety by helping to organise the successful Mature Driver Roadshows that aim to keep this vulnerable age group driving safely for longer.

Henny has also been involved in a diverse range of community and schools' engagement events. In particular, she plays an integral role in the organisation of the annual County Schools' Challenge, a partnership project that has been running for 15 years across secondary schools in Northamptonshire, which helps thousands of pupils learn about important social issues while teaching them invaluable skills.

Prevention Manager Sara Postlethwaite praised Henny’s contribution to community safety and her support for young people. She said: "Henny is the backbone of the County Schools Challenge. Thousands of children have benefitted from engaging in this programme which is a joint effort between the police and fires services, supported by funding from the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

"Henny creates the packages for schools, liaises with key partners and co-ordinates all the significant programme events, trophies and fun activities for the children. In addition, she supports the learning and development of our officers by acting as a role player for training scenarios.

"Her abilities and willingness to support others are an inspiration worthy of high praise, and this recognition from the High Sheriff is extremely well deserved."

High Sheriff Milan Shah said: “As so often, the motivation to set up a schools challenge was born of tragedy in the local community, but it did not take long for the initiative of a few schools in Wellingborough to scale to countywide participation, and it is that momentum that Henny is so expert at keeping going.

“In over a decade of dedicated service to our county, Henny’s efforts have contributed to whole generations reaching adulthood with a better understanding of safety issues and social challenges. A most worthy recipient of the High Sheriff’s award.”

The Force's Citizens in Policing Manager, Ann-Marie Lawson, added: "We are very fortunate to have Henny give her time and expertise freely to our Citizens in Policing programme. She is a well-respected volunteer who inspires everyone she comes into contact with to be the best that they can be."

"Becoming a police support volunteer is an excellent way to become involved with and gain experience of different aspects of policing, whether you simply want to help your community or are interested in pursuing a career within the police service.

"By volunteering with us you could play a vital role in helping us deliver and improve the service we provide to our communities and, like Henny, help us make Northamptonshire a safer place to live, work and play in."

Henny received her award at a presentation in the old Court Room in Sessions House, Northampton. She told us more about the work she gets involved in and why she enjoys volunteering so much.

Henny said: "I love being a volunteer with Northamptonshire Police. On the County Schools Challenge, I am always amazed at the energy and enthusiasm the students, who range from 11 to 14 years old, put into doing the Challenge – whatever the theme is, they just get it and work with it.  I am always blown away by the innovative ideas they come with. 

"I am passionate about road safety, so really enjoy being an active part of the Northants Safer Roads Alliance. To help plan and organise an event, then to have a room of over 70 mature drivers learning about how to stay safe on the roads is really satisfying. 

"I am lucky as I can pick what I want to do – and that's how I have got involved in role playing for our training department. I saw an advert on our intranet for role players which I thought looked interesting, and it is! It's great fun!  

"I am overwhelmed but very honoured to receive the High Sheriff's Award."

The Force's growing numbers of volunteers complement the work of police officers and staff and add value to the wider police service. There are a variety of opportunities available, from working within  neighbourhood policing teams, supporting police officers and PCSOs within local communities, to roles with more specialist departments such as e-forensics.

To find out more about volunteering with Northamptonshire Police visit www.northants.police.uk/careers.

To learn more about the role of the High Sheriff visit www.highsheriffnorthamptonshire.com