Today, Thursday 30 November 2023, 14:00- 17:00, the Wales Safer Communities Network will host the inaugural Safer Communities Awards at the Village Hotel in Swansea to celebrate the work of projects, partnerships and people actively making communities safer across Wales.

Speakers will be from across the partnerships including Welsh Government, Fire and Rescue Services, Councils and Policing in Wales, with the event hosted by Welsh icon Lynn Bowles.

Lynn Bowles, radio broadcaster and presenter:

“I am delighted to host the inaugural Safer Communities Awards today, it will be a fantastic opportunity to recognise individuals whose dedication is making such a positive impact on communities across Wales.”

The Awards Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the great work being undertaken across Wales to prevent, reduce and make communities safer in areas such as Anti Social Behaviour, Violence against Women and Girls, and Exploitation.

The Network is overseen by the Safer Communities Board for Wales, which aims to ensure effective shared leadership is provided to support local partnership working that promotes safe, strong, confident communities.

To find out more about the Network visit www.safercommunities.wales and follow @WalesSaferComms on X (formerly Twitter) for latest updates.

Rt Hon Alun Michael, Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales and co- Chair of the Safer Communities Board for Wales, said:

“I am extremely pleased to be supporting the Inaugural Safer Communities Award Ceremony on the 30 November. As co- chair of the Safer Communities Board for Wales it is important to celebrate the strength of Community Safety Partnerships which respond to local needs and delivering genuinely life-changing initiatives that can and do make our communities safer It’s something that we are doing better in Wales because of the commitment by Police & Crime Commissioners, Chief Constables and Local Authorities working with other agencies including the Fire Services and the Voluntary Sector and with the active support of Welsh Government. This is an opportunity to celebrate existing work, learn from each other and take further steps towards keeping our communities safe even in these tough times.”

Councillor Jane Mudd (Newport), WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice and co- Chair of the Safer Communities Board for Wales, said:

“Like all public services, Local Government are having to respond to the demands of the public with restricted resources and under increasing difficult circumstances. And yet the pride in service delivery continues and as co-chair of the Safer Communities Board for Wales I am delighted to support these Awards as it demonstrates the passion and dedication of the resilient employees across Wales working tirelessly to make people’s lives safer.”

Mark Brace, Head of the Wales Safer Communities Network said:

“This Award Ceremony provides a platform to showcase the variety of great work taking place across Wales and it is a pleasure for the Network to be able to bring colleagues together to celebrate the individuals and innovative thinking that makes change happen.”