News from your
Commissioner
Darryl Preston

With Mental Health Awareness Week recently in focus, it has been an opportune time to highlight the services I fund to put the lives of victims of crime back on track.

One of those provides short-term support to victims and witnesses of crime to help with issues such as anxiety, sleeping and stress. The new service was launched in April and is delivered by mental health charity Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind (CPSL Mind).

Crime can have a serious impact on wellbeing. If you have been a victim of crime and need help, click the read more button.

This month we shine the spotlight on the community heroes who dedicate their time to making Cambridgeshire and Peterborough a safe place to live and visit.  

Following a successful recruitment campaign, an additional ten volunteers have successfully applied to become members of my countywide Community Scrutiny Panel – an important role to ensure officers use their powers professionally and appropriately to retain the integrity of Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

From restorative justice stars through to equality champions, we share the stories of Debs, Suzie and Taz and Chiedza and find out what inspires them to dedicate their skills and time to help others.

Celebrating service and courage

Our brave policing heroes who put themselves in the path of danger every day and save countless lives in the process have been honoured at a glittering awards ceremony.

Protecting the victim of a stabbing, saving a suicidal woman’s life, and helping a family stranded on Snowdon were just some of the acts of courage recognised at the Chief Constable’s Commendations, Royal Humane Society and Long Service awards event held at Hinchingbrooke House in Huntingdon this month.

A key part of my role is commissioning support services for victims and witnesses of crime and The Bobby Scheme is a testament to this.

The scheme provides free security improvements to older and vulnerable victims across the county.

Elderly or vulnerable victims are visited at home where risk assessments and home fire safety checks are carried out. Other security devices such as alarms and outdoor lighting can be fitted where appropriate.

I was honoured to attend the official opening of Meldreth to Melbourn’s new ‘Wonderpass’ this month to marvel at the artistic achievements of hundreds of community volunteers.

The underpass was treated to a vibrant makeover after residents called for a bright and welcoming art space created by the community and features murals and artwork from 40 community groups. I was proud to contribute to the project with a £1,200 grant from the South Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership, left over from previous projects I have supported. It is a truly remarkable sight to behold and demonstrates community spirit at its best.