|
Abade has been instrumental in building a bridge between Northamptonshire Police and the Somali community in Northampton.
Luisa Jepson, of the Hate Crimes Unit, said: “Abade has been supporting us for the last five years.
"He acts as an informal interpreter and adviser and we often contact him directly if we require assistance.
"He also regularly meets with student officers to provide them with an insight into the Somali community."
Councillor Derek Lawson, vice chair of the Police Authority and the chair of the Unsung Heroes judging panel, said: “Abade’s was an outstanding nomination as his role is pivotal to ensuring that a minority community in the community feels safe and supported.
"His work as an interpreter and adviser reflects the hard work put in by many people in strengthening community and race relations in Northamptonshire and we felt this should be rightly acknowledged with the top award."
Mrs Newham also made presentations to the three gold award recipients in each of the individual, group and youth categories.
The Individual gold was awarded to Innes Wenham of Corby, who has long been a valued member of the Kingswood community in Corby and is always on hand to assist neighbours and other residents, especially the elderly.
She is active in the local Tenants and Residents’ Association and has been doing this voluntary work for the last three years, having to take a little time off around 18 months ago because of her own ill health.
Nominator PCSO Mark Tooley believes that it is a result of direct involvement from Innes that fear of crime in the Kingswood area of Corby has decreased, and public confidence increased.
Innes has played a major part in reducing crime in her street, tackling motorcycle nuisance in the area and also reducing incidents of juvenile nuisance and illegal street drinking.
The Group gold went to the Pete Brewin and James O’Rourke of Thorplands United Football Club in Northampton, a community football club that has 14 teams registered for both male and female participants.
Pete is the leader and secretary of the football club and has created a fantastic environment, supported by players and volunteers from all over Northampton’s eastern district.
The Thorplands estate has no community centre and nowhere for residents to socialise. The football club gives young people safe and healthy organised activities to enjoy and provides social activities for the community at large.
James is registered disabled but has played a pivotal part in sustaining the activities of the football club.
Without the fundraising James has instigated through his expertise, the community football club – and all its attendant benefits – would not exist.
The Youth gold went to Iain Brown of Kettering, for his work for Neighbourhood Watch in the street where he lives.
At the tender age of 16, Iain is the co-ordinator of Neighbourhood Watch in Thames Rise and has taken the lead on property-etching schemes.
Nominator Jane Calcott believes that Iain is a very strong character and a shining example of how the young people of today can get actively involved in their community.
Jane is the Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer and got to know Iain when she advertised for a co-ordinator in Thames Rise. Iain was the only person in the street to reply to her request.
Iain is responsible for the sharing of information to and from the police to neighbours in the street.
Silver awards
Individual Raymond Pollard (King’s Cliffe) – for his service to the old and infirm in the village. Raymond is aged 81!
Group Julie Scotney and Christina White (Rothwell) – for the integral work they do for Moorfield Neighbourhood Watch in the town.
Youth Nathan Austin (Northampton) – for his patience in helping to instruct and motivate young footballers on community schemes.
A total of 30 entries were considered for this year’s awards scheme, now in its eighth year.
Mrs Newham said: “There are many ways of helping others and providing a benefit to the community. These are by no means always major initiatives and so often it is individuals or small groups of people who deserve our thanks and appreciation.
"I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating everyone who was nominated for an award and thanking those people who took the time and trouble to seek them out for well-deserved recognition."
|
