I have been proud to celebrate the amazing people of Devon & Cornwall who work hard to make their communities a better and safer place, says Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez

Commissioner Alison Hernandez, left, with Unleashed Theatre Company, winner of the Business Community Champion Award at the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards. Credit: WR Photography

Amidst all the doom and gloom portrayed in the media and negativity shared on social media, it is important to remind ourselves of all the good and great things and people that make life better, protect us and give us hope for the future. 

Last week, I was humbled to hear real life stories of how young people, those within our business community and also staff within Devon & Cornwall Police are making such an incredible difference to the lives of people across the peninsula. 

Their commendable achievements were celebrated at three different award ceremonies which my office supports. The first was the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards 2025 which was held last Wednesday, June 11, in Torquay. 

I sponsor the Business Community Champion Award which recognises those who work above and beyond their day-to-day role in keeping Torbay a safe place to live, work and visit.    

The worthy winner was Torquay-based Unleashed Theatre Company. For more than two decades, it has worked at the heart of Torbay’s community, using theatre and creative arts to reach those most vulnerable — including people affected by homelessness, addiction, mental illness, or social exclusion. 

Now a registered charity and recipient of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, its huge spectrum of successes ranges from a weekly drama group to a free community choir, and from making an award-winning film based on the real stories of four participants to staging four major “homeless musicals” which raised more than £19,000 for a local hostel.  

It was heartwarming to hear how people who were once rough sleeping, battling addiction, or struggling after being released from prison have been helped by Unleashed Theatre Company to rebuild and lead fulfilling lives.  

Huge praise must also be given to Torbay United Licensed Drivers Association (TULDA) and Pier Point Bar & Restaurant who were also finalists in the Business Community Champion Award and epitomise the positive difference businesses can make within local communities. 

Police Constable Hayley Gething was awarded Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year by Chief Constable James Vaughan. Credit: Tony Cobley Photography

Two days later, it was the turn of police officers, staff and volunteers to receive recognition at the second Excellence in Policing Awards. It was organised by the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall, which is funded by my office, and highlighted how lucky we are to have such an incredible workforce employed by the force. 

There were 19 award categories ranging from Unsung Hero of the Year to Police Team of the Year, to acknowledge the exceptional contributions being made to policing. Nominations were submitted from across the force, alongside endorsements from partner agencies.  

Among the recipients was Police Constable Hayley Gething who was awarded Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year for her dedication as a neighbourhood police officer for Torpoint and the surrounding areas. She was recognised for her strong leadership and the empathy and compassion that she displays on a daily basis.  

The Isles of Scilly were given to reason to celebrate with its PCSO Shirley Graham receiving the PCSO of the Year award. Shirley, who I have had the honour of meeting during previous visits to the Isles of Scilly, is the only permanent member of the policing team on the island. Her work has directly resulted in reducing antisocial behaviour and gaining greater community respect for the police. 

But what makes her so unique and incredible is that due to the remote location where she is based, she not only goes above and beyond in her role as a PCSO but takes on other crucial responsibilities. Her numerous other roles include Firearms Enquiry Officer, Detentions Office and lifesaver during medical emergencies. 

During the awards ceremony, it was reassuring to hear the incredible efforts being made to keep communities safe, bring perpetrators to justice and protect victims. I would like to give my personal thanks to all those who received awards as well as those hidden heroes whose work often goes unnoticed by the public but ensures our region remains one of the safest to live and work in. 

Crawford Kerr, winner of Inspirational Person of the Year at the Plymouth Youth Awards

The final awards ceremony was the Plymouth Youth Awards which was held last Saturday, June 14, to celebrate children and young adults under the age of 21 throughout the city for their outstanding achievements, inspiring feats against adversity and tireless dedication to creating change.   

I sponsored the Inspirational Person of the Year Award and although each of the finalists were worthy winners within their own right. However, there could only be one winner and that was 17-year-old Police Cadet Leader, unpaid carer and volunteer Crawford Kerr. 

It was his maturity, resilience beyond his years and compassion that makes him such a remarkable role model. Crawford not only dedicates much of his time to helping other young people and those in his local community; he is a young carer for his father and sister. 

All the winners I met last week show how much good work is being done within our local communities by selfless individuals. I would personally like to thank everyone who is making positive differences, no matter how big or small or in a paid or voluntary capacity, because that is where change begins.