Staffordshire Sergeant Charlie Emmett has helped launch a partnership between the Force and a local charity to help vulnerable families and domestic abuse victims receive extra support.
Stoke-on-Trent North Neighbourhood Policing Team’s (NPT) Harm Reduction Hub has teamed up with Alice Charity, an organisation based in Newcastle which helps disadvantaged and vulnerable families.
The partnership came as a result of Charlie, deputy commander at Stoke North NPT, reaching out to the charity after identifying the need for quick and practical help for vulnerable families.
“I’ve always been very interested in what Alice Charity does, as I actually went to school with its founder, Emily,” said Charlie, who regularly chairs the multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC).
The MARAC is coordinated by police but involves a number of organisations and is a meeting involving the sharing of information, while agreeing actions to safeguard and prevent harm for the highest risk domestic abuse cases. Its aim is to stop people being seriously injured or killed as a result of domestic abuse.
“Alice Charity supports families on a practical level, which is something the Force just doesn’t have the budget for,” added Charlie, who has been an officer for 14 years.
“I felt like they could bridge the gap between the support we can give and the practical needs of vulnerable families.
“I wanted to see if the families we work with could benefit from Alice Charity, so I got in contact with them. Within days, one young mother who was expecting another child was quickly provided with an array of practical items, including new drawers for the baby’s room and a fridge freezer.
“My vulnerability co-ordinator was amazed and together we thought we could go that one step further by creating a solid partnership with the charity.”
Charlie set up a meeting with the charity and invited Emily in to speak to the team at the Harm Reduction Hub.
“The charity is so supportive and non-judgemental. They understand that not everyone fits in the same box and that is something I really admire,” said Charlie, who says she joined the Force because she had a desire to help people and make a difference.
“I’m very passionate about what I do. My aim is to help people live a happier and healthier life and, if I can play a part in that, then I get such job satisfaction.”
With her own children suffering from health issues, Charlie says she knows first-hand just how vital a strong support network is.
“I’m lucky, I know personally the importance of a strong family. I wouldn’t be able to cope without my family but not everyone is that fortunate,” she added.
“I feel like Alice Charity replicates that and provides that wrap-around support, for those who need it.
“Alice Charity is so inspiring, what they do really is wonderful. I think they will have a huge lasting impact on those we work with.”
Stoke North Police now work with Alice Charity, with the Force able to refer those it feels need support via a specially created form or email.
“The partnership is in its infancy, but the benefits are already showing,” added Charlie, “I hope that in the future, the partnership can develop across more of the areas that Alice Charity covers.”
The Alice Charity was set up in 2011 and now works with a number of agencies to identify those in need and help them through various donations.
