CHARITIES supporting the homeless have been given well-deserved recognition at this year’s prestigious High Sheriffs’ Awards.

About 170 guests attended this year’s ceremony held at Hylands House in Chelmsford where trophies, certificates and grants totalling £31,487 were presented by the High Sheriff of Essex, Simon Hall MBE.

Beacon House, providing support for the homeless in Colchester, was delighted to win the coveted High Sheriffs’ Shield.

As well as a drop-in café, Beacon House offers health care facilities, a laundry service, access to clean clothes and toiletries, interventions and outreach support.

They also received a grant of £3,808 to help them employ a part-time co-ordinator of services aimed at changing anti-social behaviour by homeless individuals.

Vivienne Wiggins, Chief Executive, said: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the High Sheriff of Essex.

"Through occupational therapy and learning new skills, the likelihood of our clients contributing to anti-social behaviour and crime is reduced.”

Colchester & Tendring Youth Enquiry Service received a grant of £2,229 to support their work with young people who are at risk of becoming street homeless in Colchester.

The Open Road SOS Bus project received a grant of £1,000 to buy uniforms for their volunteers who assist emergency services during the night time economy.

The Awards came from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation.

Simon Hall said: “It has been a huge privilege to undertake this role, it has been tremendous fun, I have learned a lot and I hope I have done some good.

“This county is blessed with some extraordinary organisations, wonderful people and very dedicated volunteers who are committed to tackling crime and social problems and supporting law and order.

“Austerity constraints have led to greater inventiveness and a recognition that partnership and collaboration are the way forward. When you see what is going on, you cannot doubt the intrinsic goodness of humanity.

“Our society cannot function without the voluntary sector and it is imperative that succeeding generations engage with this agenda.”

In addition to the grants awarded from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, ECF was able to leverage a further £50,000 to support voluntary organisations which keep communities safe.