Hangleton and Knoll Project receives a Commendation from the High Sheriff

 

On 6th May the Hangleton & Knoll Project were awarded a Commendation by the Sussex High Sheriff.

 
 
Bill Shelford, Sussex High Sheriff (left) and Michelle Old, Hangleton & Knoll Project Senior Youth Worker (right) receiving the award at the Hangleton & Knoll Community Action AGM.
 
 
“We are very proud to have received this level of recognition for all of the great work delivered by our very skilled youth work team” Nicole Vann, Project Manager.
 
“In the case of the Hangleton and Knoll project there was a unanimous decision that the project was worthy of an award. One of the reasons for this is that right from the start residents and young people have been active participants and have helped shape the direction of the project. It was noted that aspects of the project had helped young people in many ways including:
 
1. Personal and social education so that young people make their own choices about their personal wellbeing.
2. Participation by many young people encouraging debate, an ability to consider problems from different angles, and growing confidence that their views are important and acted upon. 
3. Voluntary involvement, giving participants a stake and interest in the area where they live.
4. A recognition that there can be cases of discrimination and inequality which should be corrected.
 
All in all, the work has led to a strong Community infrastructure in Hangleton and Knoll. This was evident in the cheerful Community Centre which is so well looked after and in the warm welcome that was given to me as an outsider. There is a wonderful spirit of involvement and of inclusion. “Bill Shelford, Sussex High Sheriff.
 
In Sussex the High Sheriffs try to recognise the work undertaken by so many people voluntarily and in association with a national charity called Crimebeat. They try to encourage the creation of projects that reduce crime and which have a direct effect on community wellbeing and safety. They meet to decide if any projects submitted to them should be recognised by the giving of an Award.  Projects are submitted from all over Sussex, both East and West, and are considered by five High Sheriffs, and representatives of the police and of the Fire & Rescue Service.
 
The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest continuous crown appointment, predating the judges, the police and a range of other dignitaries. Indeed the job is over 1000 years old. Responsibilities have varied down the ages but have included tax collection, law and order and the protection of the judges as they toured the country to hear cases. The first lady High Sheriff was in 1216 and there has never been a bar on women having the role. Nowadays the role is largely ceremonial. Although there is a nomination committee in each county, names of future High Sheriffs have to be submitted for approval and eventually they are read out in Court in London by the Lord Chief Justice for each of three years before appointment, and just before a High Sheriff takes his/her oath of office the Queen approves the name by pricking a hole on the list alongside each name.
 
END
 
Contact details:
Nicole Vann
Hangleton & Knoll Project Manager
Tel: 01273 235 052