PCC John Campions talks to Kirsty Walsh, who suffered the devastating loss of her husband Shane, when he drowned after a night out in Shrewsbury in 2017. Shane was just 29 years old and the father of two small children when he died. Kirsty describes how humbled she was when volunteers travelled for miles around to take part in the search and rescue effort to find her husband, and how she felt that she needed to do something to repay the selflessness of strangers.

Kirsty has dedicated her time to championing water safety,  through WMSAR and the Home and Dry Campaign. The Home and Dry Campaign was first launched in 2017 by WMSAR,  who receive grant funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.  It includes a free online water safety course, and an offline version for schools and colleges, which can be accessed via the link below.

You can access the water safety course here
Find out more about the Home and Dry network here
Find out about  the work of WMSAR here

PCC John Campion talks to Sue Coleman, Chief Executive of West Mercia Women's Aid (WMWA) about male victims of domestic abuse. 

Around 15% of all domestic abuse victims are male, although society  still struggles to accept the fact that men can also be victims.  This perception, as well as society's views of masculinity can sadly prevent men from seeking help when they are a victim, keeping them in abusive relationships for far longer than they need to be. 

The podcast features an interview with a male victim who was subjected to significant harm from his partner, and sought out support from WMWA and received support from an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor; highly trained support workers who specialise in working with victims of domestic abuse who are assessed as being at high risk of harm.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, whether you are male or female you can speak to an advisor by calling 0800 980 3331 if you are in Worcestershire or 0800 783 1359 if you are in Herefordshire or Shropshire. You can also find out about support that's available on the WMWA website:  http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org 

PCC John Campion talks to Debbie Birch and Mark Riley who are working with Severn Arts about the Inspiring Futures through the Arts programme, which provides arts interventions in probation settings for people on a court order. The aim is to develop confidence and transferable skills, and reduce reoffending.

Between 2016 and 2020 over 200 adults on a court order took part in artistic sessions, contributing to improved mental health and self-esteem, as well as reduced reoffending rates. Workshops cover everything from creative writing, to music, to visual arts to film making and help people to unlock their creative side, and gain confidence through practising their chosen medium. During the pandemic, they have been working with children and young people in alternative provision settings using the arts to help young people express their Hopes and Dreams.

The Inspiring Futures through the Arts programme is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner. For more information on funding the PCC provides through grants please visit https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/funding/

For more information on the Inspiring Futures Through the Arts programme and other services provided by Severn Arts please visit Inspiring Futures through the arts (Probation) | Severn Arts 

PCC John Campion speaks with Ellie Giles, an intern in the PCC's policy and commissioning team, and Matt Knight, an intern in the communications and engagement team about their experiences of working within the OPCC.

If you're considering an internship after university, then this podcast is for you. It gives an insight into why Matt and Ellie decided this was the right route into work for them,  what they have learned and how it has helped them to shape their plans for the next steps in their working lives.

The OPCC employs interns every September for a twelve month period, and information on vacancies can be found on the PCC's website:  https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/vacancies/

PCC John Campion talks to Lucy Harrison who is a local group coordinator for the charity RoadPeace.

RoadPeace is the national charity for road crash victims in the UK. They provide information and support services to people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes and engage in evidence based policy and campaigning work to fight for justice for victims and reduce road danger.

Lucy, who was bereaved in 2014 when her brother Peter was killed by a speeding driver, talks to John about the support available to victims and why the use of language is key to making sure victims are respected and acknowledged in their tragic loss.

RoadPeace will begin holding meetings for bereaved families in West Mercia in 2021. More information can be found on the RoadPeace website.

Other support for victims can be found through the Victim Advice Line 0800 952 3000 or online via their website https://victimadviceline.org.uk/ 

PCC John Campion talks with volunteer Independent Custody Visitor  (ICV) Ian Baldry about why he chose to become an ICV.

Ian explains what an ICV visit entails, and the types of checks ICVs make to ensure that detainees are being kept safe and that their needs are met.  Visits  include checking the welfare of detainees – for example, are they getting enough to eat or drink, or are they getting any required medical help or medication. It also includes checking that police officers are following all the correct legal processes and protocol.

For more information on the ICV scheme, including how to volunteer please visit the PCC's website: https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/volunteer/ 

PCC John Campion talks to Sean Brennan, Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector for south Telford and project delivery lead for the Safer Streets Fund.

Inspector Sean Brennan was brought up in Telford where his father was a police officer for the local area.  Sean was part of the team that made a bid to the Home Office, together with Telford and Wrekin Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for £550,000  funding to deliver a Brookside Safer Streets scheme to reduce crime and improve community safety.

Sean explains why Brookside was chosen for the scheme, and what measures will be put in place to make the estate a safer place.

White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year it's more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic. 

PCC John Campion is supporting White Ribbon Day by producing a series of special edition podcasts focussing on domestic abuse, including interviews with those that have experienced first-hand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, and those are there to help and support victims.

PCC John Campion talks to Sergeant Steve Broom, who supervises patrols in the county of Herefordshire. Steve deals with reports of domestic abuse on a daily basis, often being the first officer to respond to 999 and 101 calls. Steve explains what happens when someone reports abuse, whether it's the victim, a neighbour or a family member, and how prosecution isn't always the most appropriate course of action for perpetrators and their families.

Steve explains that domestic abuse during lockdown has been a 'pandemic within a pandemic' and a reduction in crime resulting from the lack of night time economy hasn't meant a reduction in incidents - especially behind closed doors. 

West Mercia Victim Advice Line: https://victimadviceline.org.uk

White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/

West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/ 

White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for people to stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year it's more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic. 

PCC John Campion is supporting White Ribbon Day by producing a series of special edition podcasts focussing on domestic abuse, including interviews with those that have experienced first-hand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, and those are there to help and support victims.

PCC John Campion talks to domestic abuse survivor Michelle Bowen. Michelle, who was married for 24 years, explains how coercive control was a feature of her married life, how her confidence and judgement were eroded over time and the steps she took to eventually leave.

Michelle discusses the services available for survivors, why it takes courage to reach out for help, and what she thinks needs to change in society and communities to give women the confidence to ask for help.

West Mercia Victim Advice Line: https://victimadviceline.org.uk

White Ribbon: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/

West Mercia Women's Aid: 0800 980 3331 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/ 

#MORSE, which is the abbreviation of Making our Roads Safer for Everyone is an innovative safer roads initiative that is funded by PCC John Campion. It aims to reduce the number of road traffic offences being committed on the roads throughout West Mercia and make our roads and communities a safer place.

PCC John Campion speaks to David Andrewartha, Operations Director at YSS about how #MORSE is making a difference to the lives of young people. The service does not focus on offences in isolation, but looks holistically at the individual, focusing support around the individual’s needs.  The support young people receive can be anything from support with accommodation, finding employment or help with drugs and alcohol.

YSS website: https://www.yss.org.uk/morse