High Sheriff Awards 2024

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The 29th Annual High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Awards will take place in March 2024.​

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The 28th Annual Awards, under the stewardship of Sally Burton DL, took place in the County Suite, at County Hall, Hertford on Thursday 9th March 2023. A report of the evening is available below.

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High Sheriff Awards 2023
The Awards focused on highlighting Hertfordshire organisations who support people dealing with some of the challenges exacerbated by the recent pandemic, with a special emphasis on mental health issues, mainly those involving addiction to drugs and alcohol, and the problems which stem from addiction such as domestic abuse and homelessness.

Sally Burton DL said "I have come across many wonderful charities and voluntary groups who do so much to help those struggling to deal with chaos in their lives and those with challenging mental health issues. It is important to celebrate their successes, and the support they give to others, making Hertfordshire a better place to live for everyone. Members of the judging panel were inspired by all the nominations, and it was an extremely difficult job to shortlist the winners." 

The groups recognised were:

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• Friends of SADA (Survivors Against Domestic Abuse) – for their work with victims and survivors of domestic abuse through crisis intervention and signposting suited to individual needs

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• HACRO for the support they give those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, allowing them to turn their lives around. 

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• Resolve for helping those suffering from substance misuse issues, homelessness or are at risk of homelessness.

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• The Living Room for their work in providing free, time-unlimited group-based therapy for adults living in Hertfordshire with any type of addiction.​

 

• The Recover Team Ltd for their furniture upcycling project that supports the recovery of vulnerable, marginalised adults affected by mental health issues linked to substance abuse, alcoholism, a criminal record, homelessness, domestic abuse or being a victim of crime.

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• CDA Herts for their Jobs Pathway programme, a ‘one-stop’ community service, offering marginalised people (including ex-offenders, long-term unemployed, refugees, people with poor mental health, disabilities or addiction), help to achieve wellbeing and the ability to access work.

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The following groups were recognised for their achievements in strengthening the community as we emerge from the pandemic:

 

• ELSA Next Generation for their bespoke educational programmes working with troubled young people, facing trauma and anxiety.

 

• Herts Vision Loss for their work in supporting and empowering blind and visually impaired people.

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• Kaotic Angels Foundation for how they come together as a motorcycle club to provide practical assistance, food and so much more to those who are vulnerable, elderly, disabled or find themselves in need.

 

• Hand on Heart for their provision of food parcels and winter warmer packs to people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In recognition of their outstanding work each organisation received a financial contribution funded through the High Sheriff’s Fund, a charitable fund managed by Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

In addition to the High Sheriff Awards, some non-monetary High Sheriff Personal Awards were also presented to the following people: 

 

• Lynn Whitnall, CEO of Paradise Wildlife Park and Director of The Zoological Society of Hertfordshire, who has raised thousands of pounds for charities and conservation projects.

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• Gordon Morrison, for his philanthropy, in particular for his role in co-founding ‘Helping Herts’ and raising money for 12 children and young people’s charities across Hertfordshire.

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• Detective Sergeant Rob Scott, leader of the Hertford, Ware and Bishop’s Stortford Police Cadets, whose team of cadets have helped multiple High Sheriffs. He was recognised for guiding hundreds of young people, many of whom have gone on to have careers in the police. 

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• Sharon Russell, from the office of the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Police for her constant support to the High Sheriff during the year. 

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• Joe Heeney, CEO of Resolve, for being a shining example of someone with lived experience supporting and inspiring others to overcome adversity. 

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• Penny Carey, Diana Kirsch, Shane O’Mahony and Sue Whiterod for their role in organising the High Sheriff’s Symposium on Substance Misuse.

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During her year, Sally has sponsored a police dog in collaboration with the Hertfordshire Constabulary. TPD Sheriff and her handler PC Rebecca Clark were introduced and given a High Sheriff’s badge. A definite highlight, particularly considering ’Sheriff’ was so well behaved despite her youth and inexperience!

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In addition, the Prince’s Trust presented a special award to Jamie-Lee Wilson, a recent graduate of the Prince's Trust Team Programme led by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue. 

After an amazing evening Sally said "I am delighted to have been able to celebrate some of the very special people and organisations across Hertfordshire for the outstanding work they do in the county. It has been a pleasure to champion their causes and highlight their considerable achievements.”

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