THE High Sheriff of Hampshire has commended five Winchester-based law and order projects at his annual community awards ceremony.

Mark Thistlethwayte announced 21 winners at the event in Winchester’s Great Hall last Wednesday.

Among the winners were Citizens Advice Winchester District’s Court Desk Volunteer Team, Her Majesty’s Prison and Young Offenders Institute (HMP/YOI) Winchester Employment Academy, Trinity Winchester, Winchester Youth Counselling and Emmaus Hampshire.

Mr Thistlethwayte said: “It has been truly inspiring during my year in office to see first-hand the outstanding and meaningful work carried out by these unsung heroes who help those less fortunate across our county.

“I am delighted to be able to give special recognition for their hard work and achievements in keeping our communities safe and thriving in support of vulnerable people in our area.”

The awards are run in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF).

Grant Cornwell, chief executive of HIWCF, said: “We are delighted to support the High Sheriff Awards which uphold the values implemented by the Foundation across our communities in support of those less fortunate.

“We congratulate each of the 21 recipients for their well-deserved awards, and for their hard work and dedication in making Hampshire a better and safer place to live.”

  • Citizens Advice Winchester District’s Court Desk Volunteer Team were praised for their support to people facing the prospect of losing their home.
  • HMP/YOI Winchester Employment Academy won for its support in lowering reoffending rates by helping ex-offenders to find work.
  • For over 32 years, Trinity Winchester has supported people who are homeless and vulnerably housed, including rough sleepers, ex-care leavers and victims of domestic abuse.
  • Winchester Youth Counselling provides free counselling, walk and talk therapy and nature therapy sessions to young people aged 11-25.
  • Emmaus Hampshire supports homeless people through social enterprise, to generate money that pays for a home, food, upkeep and personal development, as well as providing a small weekly allowance.