Some Enchanted Evening in June!

After a week of rather autumnal weather, the clouds parted and the sun appeared just as the guests were arriving for the High Sheriff’s Summer Party.  What perfect timing!

The High Sheriff’s Summer Party seeks to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and groups who contribute to the community through public service, charity work, and voluntary efforts. It is therefore a party to celebrate the guests – to celebrate that each and every one forms a large part of Surrey life and works hard to make that life a little better for our fellow human beings – every day, all year round and very often in addition to a day job.

Before I became High Sheriff and started my Shrieval Year in April, I realised that Surrey was an active county and that an awful lot was being achieved and/or provided by its large voluntary sector. However, over the last two months I have already discovered that I had only realised a fraction of what was happening in the County.

Surrey’s voluntary sector is phenomenal. It provides services in all manner of spheres – services that people need and are dependent upon; whether it be mental health care; elderly care; education; domestic abuse, to name but a few. No national government will be able to deliver all the services the voluntary sector currently provides with such dedication and passion.

It is all our duty to support this important work, because this work is under threat – due to an insecure financial landscape and/or people not having the time to volunteer. Worryingly, however, the need for these services is on the increase.

One area where the voluntary sector in Surrey provides an exemplar service is Domestic Abuse. Sadly, the general perception that Domestic Abuse is rare in Surrey is not true. Statistics show that a third of homes in Surrey, as well as an increasing number of people younger than 16 are affected by it. I therefore want to use my Shrieval Year to help “break the cycle of domestic abuse” – both through working with children and young people and through working with perpetrators:  holding them to account and preventing them from becoming repeat offenders.

Dr Mike Kelly JP – the Under Sheriff and Chair of the Bench – and I are currently planning a workshop/conference on the prevention of domestic abuse in March 2027. Various organisations and people have said they are keen to get involved, so let’s hope we can organise a practical and effective event. We can shine a light on the good work that is being done in the County and – possibly more importantly – try to fill the gaps in the provision or areas needing improvement. More specific details will follow in due course.

Let’s raise a glass all Surrey’s volunteers – and the Police Cadets in particular for being immaculate parking attendants, waiters and ambassadors – without you the County would be a poorer place.