Winners of the 2019 Outstanding Citizens Awards revealed
The unsung heroes of the West Midlands have had their moment in the spotlight at the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Outstanding Citizens Awards.
Last night community heroes from across the region were honoured at the awards ceremony, which is now in its 7th year.
There were four main awards up for grabs: Outstanding Citizen, Outstanding Young Citizen, Outstanding Community Project and Outstanding Young Community Project.
Nominations are taken from the community and provide an opportunity to celebrate the untold stories of those who volunteer, campaign or take part in acts of extraordinary bravery.
The winner of the Outstanding Citizens Award was Tracey Evans, a National Express bus driver who helped with the arrest of three men who had robbed and assaulted a victim on her bus.
16 year-old Nasim Ahmed received the award for Outstanding Young Citizen, for saving a stab victim’s life by administering first aid.
Outstanding Community Project was awarded to the Black Country Wellbeing Centre, a Dudley project which transformed neglected building into vibrant community centre.
And the recipient of the Outstanding Young Community Project were St Michael’s Student Voice, a group of over 100 students who raise awareness of issues affecting young people.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said: “These awards are a great opportunity to promote exceptional acts of active citizenship in the West Midlands and celebrate the unsung heroes in our local communities.
“I want to thank those truly outstanding people who, through dedicated work or inspirational acts, have made our region a better place. All too often we hear about the bad in society, tonight is an evening that we celebrate the good.
“The stories of bravery, courage, selflessness and compassion are right to be recognised. I hope these exceptional stories will act as an inspiration for others over the next year.
“Once again, I am proud to host these awards and say thank you to those people who make the West Midlands a brighter place”.
WINNERS
Outstanding Citizen
Tracey Evans: A National Express bus driver who helped with the arrest of 3 men who had robbed and assaulted a victim on her bus.
Outstanding Young Citizen
Nasim Ahmed: A 16 year old Army Cadet who saved a stab victim’s life by administering first aid.
Outstanding Community Project
Black Country Wellbeing Centre: A Dudley project who transformed neglected building into vibrant community centre.
Outstanding Young Community Project
St Michael’s Student Voice: A group of over 100 students who raise awareness of issues affecting young people, specifically youth violence and mental health.
Special Recognition Award
Dr Cath Hannon: Recognised for shaping services for victims of crime across the West Midlands
RUNNER-UPS
Outstanding Citizen
Ryan: A volunteer who filmed hundreds of motorists driving dangerously before handing the footage to Police. He submitted 425 pieces of video footage in the last 18 months.
Outstanding Young Citizen
Tamiia Laville: A 9 year-old school girl who recovered widower’s stolen jewellery and handed it to Police.
Outstanding Community Project
The Freedom Project: A project who provide a safe and supportive environment to women and children who have experienced domestic violence.
Outstanding Young Community Project
Dudley Youth Council: A group of 11-19 year olds who represent the views of young people in Dudley. The group were nominated after raising money for the homeless.
Independent Custody Visitors
Independent Custody Visitors were recognised at the Outstanding Citizens Awards last night, for their years of volunteering.
The custody visitors were awarded for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service.
The scheme is designed to make sure people who are detained by the police are held in accordance with the law. The scheme offers protection to detainees and reassurance to the wider community.
Volunteers give up their time to visit custody suites and check the correct procedures are being followed.
5 years dedicated service:
- Dawn Dance
- Jane Edgington
- Julie Golden
- Charanpreet Malhotra
- Christopher Warne
10 years dedicated service:
- Farooq Hussain
15 years dedicated service:
- Janice Mathias
- Delroy Wilkins
20 years dedicated service:
- Julie Palmer
- Harjinder Singh
