High Sheriff recognises local charities

6th March 2025

Local charities and voluntary organisations that address crime and anti-social behaviour and improve community safety have received recognition and grants at the annual High Sheriff’s Awards.

Among the projects receiving support were youth groups and community hubs for young people, support for survivors of sexual violence, projects that contribute to community cohesion for minority groups, support for people who are vulnerable and homeless, and knife crime prevention workshops.

Over 250 guests attended this year’s ceremony held at Hylands House in Chelmsford, where trophies, certificates and 30 grants totalling £162,000 were presented by the High Sheriff of Essex, David Hurst DL.

The event was supported by Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.  Presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt supported the event by compering and interviewing the trophy winners and other guests, with conversations shared by Sadie Nine on her Saturday morning show on BBC Essex.

The grants came from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, and other community safety focussed funds all of which are managed by us.

David Hurst DL, the 844^th High Sheriff of Essex, has travelled across the County during the year, visiting charities that are tackling a wide range of issues and helping people in their community.  He has learned about their work and met with many volunteers, presenting them with certificates to recognise and acknowledge their commitment and dedication.

He said, “On my travels around the County, I have seen first-hand how charities are needing to balance paying their bills, alongside an increasing demand for their services.  Also, just how important volunteers are to so many organisations and I would encourage everyone to consider how they may be able to support their local community in this way.

“The Awards event provides a wonderful opportunity for me, and other attendees, to recognise the significant contribution that charities and voluntary groups make in our communities.  It is a privilege to be able to reward their outstanding work, and that of the wider voluntary sector, being undertaken in Essex that is helping to build and sustain safer communities”.

The coveted High Sheriff’s Shield was awarded to The Wilderness Foundation for their work helping to build emotional resilience of vulnerable individuals through outdoor based experiences and increasing understanding of conservation.  They also received £5,000 for their established ‘TurnAround’ Project, for young people who have chaotic lifestyles, helping to boost confidence and providing them with tools to improve life skills and employment prospects.

Other trophies presented on the night were:

• The High Sheriff’s Cup, presented to CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) for their work supporting survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support, promoting and representing their rights and needs.
• The Essex County Council Bowl, which recognises the contribution of organisations working in partnership to deliver programmes directly into the community, was awarded to Keep It 100 Youth. The charity works with under 25’s to raise awareness of exploitation, youth violence, county lines and weapon related crime.
• The Essex County Fire & Rescue Shield, which recognises an organisation’s work with young people, was awarded to Braintree Youth Project. The group provides a haven for young people aged 11-25 years, helping them to build confidence and develop their self-esteem.  It is a space where they can feel respected, make new friends and gain qualifications to support employment prospects.  The project offers an alternative setting that diverts young people away from potential risks of crime, drugs and alcohol.
• The Essex Police Cup, which recognises the work of voluntary organisations working in the community was awarded to CYP Yellow Door, based in Canvey, for their work with young people between 11-25 years. They offer a range of services and activities focussing on health and wellbeing including 1-2-1 advice, counselling and mentoring, as well as performing arts, youth clubs and smaller sub-groups for those who struggle with social anxiety.

Since the High Sheriffs’ Fund came under ECF’s management in 1997 it has distributed grants totalling over £775,000.

Andy Payne Worpole, Director of Policy and Programmes at ECF, said, “Successive High Sheriffs work hard to raise awareness of the voluntary sector in Essex, and encourage donations to the High Sheriff’s’ Fund.

“We are pleased to support them during their year of office and, together with the monies available from our other community safety focussed funds, ensure that vital funding gets out to local charities that are working hard to tackle crime and safety issues”.

The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. The High Sheriff receives no expenses, and the role comes at no cost to the public purse.

Click here to view all the photos taken on the evening, via our Flickr page.

For the full list of grant recipients at this year’s awards, click here.