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AFIUK / Colchester

Police Getting Involved with Our Communities

At AFIUK, we are proud to work in collaboration with the Essex Police, whose dedication and support have been invaluable to our communities. Their proactive involvement goes beyond policing, fostering trust, connection, and safety.

Beyond enforcement, Essex Police actively engage with our communities, building trust and positive relationships. Officers have joined our youth club to play basketball with young people, creating a space for open conversations and mentorship. They have also visited our mother & toddler group, mingling with parents and answering important questions about safety and community well-being.

In addition, officers have participated in games like dominoes and draughts, connecting with community members in a relaxed setting. They have also supported children during art sessions, encouraging creativity while fostering positive interactions between young people and law enforcement.

This hands-on approach helps bridge the gap between the police and the community, fostering mutual understanding and ensuring that everyone feels supported and protected. Together, we are working to create safer and more connected neighborhoods.

How Essex Police Support Us

  • Engaging with Our Groups: Officers actively participate in community activities, such as playing basketball with our youth, dominoes with clients, and even supporting children in art projects and English lessons. The Chief Inspector visited the youth club, engaging with the young people and receiving a copy of the book The Ambassador, further cementing the relationship with the community.
  • Addressing Domestic Abuse: They listen to concerns about domestic abuse and act swiftly to provide support and protection for those in need.
  • Ensuring Community Safety: During times of national unrest, such as the unsettlement in September, Community Police Officers Wayne, Rachel, and Dex regularly checked in on us, ensuring our communities felt safe and supported. 
  • The Lawrence Walker Gallery is a registered Hate Incident Reporting Centre (HIRC), providing a safe and accessible space where individuals can report hate incidents and hate crimes—whether as a victim or a witness—without needing to go directly to the police.

Training & Collaboration

Essex Police has been instrumental in empowering our Community Ambassadors, providing training on critical topics like Hate Crime and Stop and Search. This training enhances the ability of our ambassadors to support and guide their communities effectively. Additionally, the Community Safety Partnership in Clacton invited Community Ambassador Victoria to join their patrols, showcasing the strong partnership between police and community leaders.

Recognizing their Impact

In recognition of their unwavering commitment and support to the Colchester community, Wayne, Rachel, Carly and Dex were honored with the prestigious Lawrence Walker Awards. This acknowledgment highlights their exceptional dedication to fostering community well-being and building trust.

Collaborative Highlights

  • 2024 two of our Community Ambassadors were honored to speak at the Towards Excellence Conference, further strengthening the bond between our organization and Essex Police

A Pillar Of Our Community

Essex Police is more than just a law enforcement body—they are a vital pillar of our community, working tirelessly to uphold safety and well-being. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and partnership, which continue to inspire confidence and bring meaningful change to the lives of those we serve.

Together, we are building stronger, safer, and more connected communities.

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