POLICE units, abuse and fostering charities and the Weston library are among the groups to have been honoured at an annual county-wide ceremony.

Sixteen groups have been honoured this year in The High Sheriff Awards, which recognise people making a significant contribution to society, particularly those that enhance safety and cohesion in our communities.

Many of the recipients, who were presented with their prizes at Winchester Guildhall last week, go beyond the ‘call of duty’ in their everyday work.

In Winchester awards were given to Citizens Advice’s Volunteer Prison Team, which helps prisoners with debt, budgeting, benefits, housing, relationships and access to their children; and Tower House Horses CIC, which helps offenders reintegrate into society through equine-assisted support to develop emotional coping mechanisms (see page 48 for more).

Among the Southampton award-winners were Sarah Cohen, a crime prevention officer for Hampshire Constabulary, who through ‘Operation Signature’ and ‘Banking Protocol’ helped protect people from significant fraud losses; as well as the force’s Volume Fraud Investigation Team from Hamble.

There was also recognition for the Hampshire Fostering Network, based in Southampton, and Yellow Door, which has worked in Southampton for over 30 years to preventing abusive relationships. YMCA Weston Community Library was honoured for implementing a wide range of community activities including job clubs, debt advice, fuel poverty awareness, drop in sessions for PCSO’s and health sessions in an area of high deprivation and social isolation.

In Eastleigh, there were awards for The Blue Lamp Trust and Victim Support, which both help victims of crime.

Following the presentation, High Sheriff Mary Montagu-Scott said: “The awards ceremony was an extremely inspiring occasion and I am delighted to recognise the meaningful work that these unsung heroes carry out.

“During my year in office I have seen first-hand the outstanding work carried out across the county to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people.”

In total, 16 awards were given out.

The full list of winners:

* Sarah Cohen, Crime Prevention Officer, Hampshire Constabulary

* Helen Gaskell, Magistrate and Bench Chair, New Forest

* Mrs Angela Smallwood, Volunteer for Victim Support, Fleet

* Basingstoke Street Pastors

* Blue Lamp Trust, Eastleigh

* Citizens Advice Winchester District Prison Team

* Hampshire Constabulary Volume Fraud Investigation Team, Hamble

* Hampshire Fostering Network, Southampton

* Hawley Community Garden, Farnborough

* Loud and Proud, Gosport

* Police Medical Welfare Service, Andover

* Portsmouth Music Hub

* Tower House Horses CIC, Winchester

* Victim Support, Eastleigh

* Yellow Door, Southampton

* YMCA Weston Community Library, Southampton