The High Sheriff of Berkshire

This is my last post as High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire!
This throwback photo is from my swearing-in ceremony a year ago at Reading Crown Court, which is where I will be heading this afternoon as Ren Kapur MBE takes over the role.
It has been a wonderful privilege and kept me busy, with over 150 engagements. Visits have included to: elements of the judiciary (Crown, magistrates, coroners, tribunals and family courts); the police (seeing forensics, armed response units, traffic, citizen engagement and a very busy ride-along night); support services such as probation and justice services; prisons; hospitals, including Broadmoor; memorial services ((sometimes with inspections), including D Day, VJ Day, Battle of Britain, freedom of town marches, Greenham); citizenship ceremonies across all six unitaries; multiple awards ceremonies (sometimes as a judge); school talks (as part of my theme for the year of education); four state visits; and of course the majority of trips to some of the incredible charity and voluntary organisations that underpin our county.
It was a pleasure to host a Summer Reception, the Judicial Service, the High Sheriff`s Awards at The Vicars` Hall, Windsor Castle and the regional High Sheriffs` event at Monkey Island.
I was pleased to worked alongside @berkshirecommunityfoundation and @learningtowork as my two nominated charities for the year and to try to support many other charity/voluntary/community groups as I could.
It was also a pleasure working with the `Thames Valley posse` of @hisheriffbucks and @highsheriffoxfordshire.
I wish @renkapur all the best with her 12 months and hope they don`t fly by too quickly.
Thank you finally to everyone I have met during my term as High Sheriff for helping define the very best of our community. …

This morning I visited West Berkshire YJST (Youth Justice Support Team) in Newbury (a service offered by @westberkshire), where I was hosted by their excellent Service Manager, Dave Wraight, and met many of the team.
YJST works with children (aged 10 to 18) with the aim of preventing them from offending, reoffending, and helping them to engage in activities to fulfil their potential. The service is made up of social workers, an education worker, a police officer, health workers, probation and restorative justice workers. The team involves people from these different agencies to help access the services children need to help turn them away from crime. Through close multi-agency and partnership working, the YJST is committed to keeping crime low and diverting children away from the criminal justice system.
Dave provided an excellent overview of YJST and data on its learnings from interventions and the efficacy of the service. I wish I had met him earlier in my shrieval journey as the organisation covers so many facets that are core to the High Sheriff role.
Thank you Dave and your team for hosting and for the very valuable support you provide. …

On Friday I also visited The Dash Charity @thedashcharity (Domestic Abuse Stops Here). The organisation has been supporting people experiencing domestic abuse in the communities of East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for over 45 years. It was uplifting to hear the stories of victims who have been provided the chance to start new lives.
For safety reasons I have blanked out the lovely team who hosted me.
Thank you for the opportunities you offer women, children and men to rebuild. …