“We don't heal in isolation, but in community.” Reduce the Severity and Frequency of their calls thereby reduce vulnerability and empower change.
The Community Peer Mentors are part of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) Office; for County Durham and Darlington. We have been running for 5 years and our great success has been largely due to our amazing volunteers, as we have actively recruited over 300 people with lived experiences, coordinated by 6 paid members of staff. The Community Peer Mentors helps support the PCC plan; to
inspire confidence in the police and criminal justice system, support victims and the vulnerable. We Aim to:
Support vulnerable and isolated people affected by significant life changing events, being victims of crime, anti-social behaviour, neighbour disputes - Perceived or Real, who through unfulfilled needs become high impact users on frontline statutory and non-statutory frontline services. Reduce the demand on Frontline Policing and other frontline emergency and statutory services. We offer a non-time specific support which is unique and bespoke for every clients; as we believe every persons experience, story, fears and feelings are different, and therefore one size does not fit all. All we ask is that a person has the will, want and capacity to change, they must set goals; however small, they must ‘bring something to the party’; we are not there to just do everything for them. This approach is unique in the UK for tackling these issues. When supporting people we will:
• Be a listening ear
• Help them learn about themselves
• Help by establishing trust
• Provide new skills and confidence to resolve matters amicably
• Signpost to other services if appropriate
• Support forming new friendships, interests or hobbies
• Robustly challenge inappropriate behaviour
• Act as an advocate
Awards
College of Policing: We have been identified by the ‘College of Policing’ as part of their ‘Top 10’ best practises for demand reduction and the unique way we support vulnerable and isolated people; it reflects the difference you as volunteers and coordinates really make to people we support. We have be awarded the:
Durham Constabulary ‘POP’ (Problem Orientated Partnership) award 2017-18
The National ‘Tilley Award’ for problem solving and demand reduction 2019-20
Finalists at the International ‘Goldstein Awards’ for problem solving and demand reduction 2019-20
World Class Policing Awards 2019-2020
We have also received:
Durham Community Action’ kite mark for excellence in supporting volunteers. One of our volunteers received a national award from NEPACS (North Eastern Prison After Care Society) for supporting ex-prisoners
Another volunteer has achieved runner up in the National ‘Lord Ferrer’s Award’ presented by the Home Office for the outstanding Police and Crime Commissioners volunteer.
