Suicide Prevention and Intervention IOW (SPIIOW), the Isle of Wight’s professional volunteer frontline team, have been selected and recognised for their great and valuable services to the community from the frontline, supporting for those in crisis, with training and preventative work across the Island.
The High Sheriff’s Award comes from the Hampshire High Sheriff Rev Sue Colman with the awards run in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF).
In normal times team members and trustees would have made their way to a ceremony held in the Great Hall in Winchester, it is hoped this will take place at a later date.
Colman: “Great and valuable services to the community”
Hampshire High Sheriff, Sue Colman, said,
“It is my absolute pleasure to be able to congratulate the Isle of Wight Suicide Prevention and Intervention team on being nominated, and then selected to receive a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of the great and valuable services to the community which you all offer.
“You gave those of us looking at this year’s nominations a lovely glimpse into all the team has been doing.”
Adams: To receive recognition in this way is amazing
Sarah Adams from SPIIOW said,
“To receive this award was a joyful moment in the nearly three-year history of SPIIOW.
“Our dedicated volunteer team, just like many others across the Island and Hampshire have operated throughout very difficult times over the past year and for them to receive recognition in this way is amazing – thank you.”
Someone at risk from Suicide?
If you think or believe that someone you know or have seen someone who is at risk from ending their life from suicide you can make contact with our front line team 24 hours a day in the following ways:
SPI Crisis Number (Suicide Intervention Only) (01983) 667 247 This number is only to be used if you or someone you know is at risk of ending their life by suicide.
Emergency
If you or someone you know has already acted on the thoughts of suicide please call 999 and ask for the ambulance, giving them as much information as you can
Join today
Anyone interested in learning or joining the on-call frontline team can contact SPIIOW at [email protected] or visit the Website.
The Role of the High Sheriff
The High Sheriff is one of the oldest Crown Offices, dating back to before the Battle of Hastings. As the Sheriff’s powers increased, they were considered to be a threat and in 1540 Henry VIII created Lord Lieutenants to take over the military duties.
To this day both the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff are appointed by, and are representatives of, the Sovereign with the High Sheriff being responsible for keeping the Queen’s Peace.
High Sheriffs support the High Court judges, together with the rest of the judiciary and all those involved in law and order, including the voluntary sector.
As the office is independent and non-political High Sheriffs are well-placed to bring together a wide range of people within the communities they serve, offering encouragement and connection where it is most needed, honouring the pledge made at their declaration – to “truly and faithfully support the Judiciary and all who maintain The Queen’s Peace, who administer justice, and who protect and support their fellow citizens.”
News shared by Sarah on behalf of SPIIOW. Ed
