Guernsey campaigner recognised at National Police Chiefs’ Council Awards

Wednesday, 25 September 2024 06:50

DCC Maggie Blyth, Poppy Murray, MP Jess Phillips

Poppy Murray was named runner-up in the “Making Safer Spaces” category at this year’s National Police Chiefs’ Council Awards.

Miss Murray founded the BE LADS campaign in March 2021, in the wake of the tragic case of Sarah Everard.

The initiative is directed at men to raise awareness of women’s safety, especially when out at night.

She has shared this message with UK police forces, Chelsea Football Club, and the Royal British Legion.

Poppy also chairs Safety Net, a Guernsey charity that aims to deter sexual assault and drink spiking, in the night time economy.

Guernsey's former Deputy Chief Officer, Ian Scholes nominated Poppy.

She was the only Channel Islander, and one of only two civilians, to be recognised at the National Police Chiefs’ Council Awards.

Miss Murray says attending the event in London on 17 September was an honour:

"I am extremely grateful to Ian for nominating me and for being a strong advocate for tackling violence against women and girls when he held the position of Deputy Chief Officer. I hope that momentum will continue to build.

I am proud to have represented the Channel Islands and hope that I will be just the first of many.

We can, and should, be doing much more to protect women and girls and to ensure we do not fall behind the progress being made by other police forces and communities outside the Bailiwick."