West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson with Canley Pop Up Cafe
Community heroes from across the West Midlands were honoured in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Outstanding Citizens Awards.
The awards are in their 6th year, with nominations taken from the community and providing an opportunity to celebrate the untold stories of those who volunteer, campaign or take part in acts of extraordinary bravery.
There were three main awards up for grabs last night: Outstanding Citizen, Outstanding Young Citizen and Outstanding Community Project.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the bravery, dedication and outstanding work of so many members of our communities.
“This year it was particularity tough to choose and decide on the winners due to the high calibre of nominees. They have all done something amazing. It is wonderful for the West Midlands to celebrate its achievements.
“It never fails to astound me the number of citizens who go out of their way just to do the right thing by their community.”
Adam Shaikh, from Smethwick, a man who was sexually abused as a child and now works to prevent other young people experiencing similar trauma.
Academy de Skillz, a Birmingham project which gives disadvantaged children a chance to become professional footballers.
Coventry Voice of Care Council, a group of young people in care, some aged as young as nine, who give up their free time to advise the authorities on how they can better look after vulnerable young people.
Canley Pop Up Cafe, a Coventry project established in the wake of a spate of crimes.
Joan Campbell, a woman born and bred in Handsworth, Birmingham who has dedicated her working career to helping those most in need.
Outstanding Citizen
Garry Williams, a courageous bus driver who narrowly avoided colliding with a suicidal man.
Margaret O’Reilly, a woman who has spent a decade volunteering to help victims of domestic violence.
Outstanding Community Project
iMatter Walsall, a group which has has educated thousands of school children about thedangers of sexual exploitation and other crimes.
Shirley Street Watch, a group of volunteer crime fighters in Shirley, which has confrontedd rug dealers, recovered weapons from parks and patrolled the streets.
Outstanding Young Citizen
Ashlea Follows, a Dudley teenager who rescued a 3-year-old boy from a group who were attacking his mother at a shop.
Active Citizens Fund Award
Faithful Friends, a group of Sikh, Christian and Muslim religious leaders from Smethwick who work to bring divided communities together.
The West Midlands Police Crime Commissioner’s Outstanding Citizen Awards 2018 were held on Thursday 5th July 2018.
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