The winners of the 2012 Crystal Hearts Awards were announced on 6th July 2012, at Kings House Conference Centre in Manchester.
The heavens opened in dramatic style but this did little to dampen the spirits of over 150 guests from across the criminal justice system, including representatives of HM Prisons, probation trusts and youth offending teams. With families at the heart of POPS work it was fitting that a number of ex-offenders and their families were also present alongside members of POPS volunteer team, fresh from the success of their exceedingly creative ‘Court in Time’ dissemination event that morning.
In a year of cuts, riots and an ever-changing political landscape, the Crystal Hearts are a
powerful reminder of the commitment and dedication demonstrated by individuals and projects across the country through challenging and uncertain times. Hosted by Martin Glynn, founder and director of Sankofa Associates, this year’s Crystal Hearts Awards were supported by a diverse group of sponsors including the Coalition for Racial Justice (CRJ) UK, the African Prisons Project, POPS and Amey, a leading UK public service provider.
Leading public services provider Amey manages 340 Home Office properties across the South East, including 30 approved premises. Through these contracts the company provides services for offenders, who are on licence or serving a community sentence, including gardening and cookery workshops to aid their rehabilitation.
Amey sponsored two of the five categories – the Positive Partnerships Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award.
“Amey is extremely proud to support the POPS Crystal Hearts Awards, which recognise organisations working in genuine partnerships, offering a chance for positive change, not only to offenders but also to the wider community, which might otherwise have been affected by their actions.” the commitment and dedication of staff within the voluntary and justice sectors who are working tirelessly to improve our communities by helping break the cycle of crime,” said Brian Pimlott, Business Development Director for Amey’s Built Environment division. “It is heart-warming to see these dedicated individuals and
The Awards
Volunteer of the Year was presented by a representative of the African Prisons Project to the volunteer team from 2nd Chance Social Enterprise. The 2nd Chance volunteer team were nominated for being ‘a truly outstanding and dedicated team of volunteers’. Made up of community volunteers and ex-offenders, the team were described as ‘a powerful resource’ providing a quality service to prisons throughout the North-West.
POPS has long been an advocate for racial equality and the promotion of diversity. The Race and Diversity Award recognises the achievements of those who strive for a more inclusive society by demonstrating commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. This year the award was sponsored by the CRJ UK and presented to Jonathan Purves from Manchester Youth Offending Service for his work with young people from the Roma community.
Jonathan talks about the work he does here.
The Family Ties Award is particularly important to POPS, celebrating as it does the work of individuals or projects whose work strengthens and supports the relationships between offenders and their families. Carol Hoyle fought off strong competition in this category to be named the winner for her work at HMP Wymott for Manchester College. Carol is the driving force behind the Positive Parenting Course and was nominated for being ‘totally dedicated’.
Hear more about Carol’s work here.
Positive Partnerships are a vital component in the delivery of effective services. The award in this category was sponsored by one of the UK’s leading public services providers, Amey. Brian Pimlott and Andy Howe from Amey presented the award to Yorkshire and Humberside Circles of Support and Accountability and South Yorkshire Probation Trust. YHCOSA, who collected the award, expressed their delight at being acknowledged in an area of work often overlooked.
Donna Morgan from HMP Kirkham received the Outstanding Achievement Award for her tireless commitment to addressing substance misuse amongst prisoners. Brian and Andy from Amey took to the stage a second time to present the award to Donna whose work was described as ‘innovative’ and ‘invaluable’ and has attracted the attention of commissioners who are now encouraging other prisons to replicate the ‘best practice’.
Listen to Donna describe her work here.
Startupnow for Women received a Special Acknowledgement, for their work with over 450 female ex-offenders. The judges were impressed by the passion and commitment of the project staff but fundamentally wanted to acknowledge the commitment of the women who are a part of the project, who have come together to form peer support networks and establish businesses, demonstrating that women ex-offenders can overcome disadvantage to make a positive contribution.
Hear more about the work of Startupnow here.
The Crystal Hearts highest accolade, the Robin Halward CB Award for Long Service and Overall Outstanding Achievement, was presented to Farida Anderson MBE, for her years of dedication and commitment to raising awareness of the needs of offenders’ families. Appearing by video, Farida spoke movingly of the award’s namesake, Robin Halward and the influence he had on her life and on her journey establishing POPS.
All images from the event are now available to download at Phil Booth Photography.
Established in 2004, the Crystal Hearts Awards celebrate excellence and innovation within the criminal justice system.
Award categories sponsored by: