High Sheriff of Lancashire

01/09/2026

A great opportunity for Lancashire charities to get the recognition they deserve

Nominations are now open for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2027!

Across Lancashire, thousands of volunteers give their time, energy and skills to make a difference in their communities.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is an opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution made by voluntary groups across the county — from supporting local communities and bringing people together, to caring for our environment and helping those who need it most.

Do you know a voluntary group in Lancashire that deserves recognition for the difference they make? Why not nominate them for a King’s Award?

Find out more and make a nomination at kavs.dcms.gov.uk

28/08/2026

Eight days ago, “A” walked out of HMP Stoke Heath in Shropshire, many miles from his home county of Lancashire.

Waiting for him at the prison’s Departure Lounge were David and Abby from Release Mates. They provided him with essential toiletries and a mobile phone before bringing him back to Lancashire and the Approved Premises where he will spend his first eight weeks following release.

But their support didn’t end at the prison gate.

This week, they collected “A” and took him for lunch to check that he was all right and remind him that he doesn’t have to face the difficult weeks ahead alone.

“A” has struggled with addiction, but he is determined to turn his life around. Having experienced the support of Release Mates himself, he is already keen to volunteer and help those who follow him.

This is the power of lived experience - people who truly understand the journey walking alongside others as they take their first steps towards a different future.

Keep strong, “A”. I’m rooting for you.

26/08/2026

Firefighters do so much more than fight fires.

Today I visited Burnley Fire Station and Ormskirk Fire Station where I met some of the brave, dedicated and highly skilled people who help to keep communities across Lancashire safe.

At Burnley, I learned about the station’s specialist High Volume Pump - a National Resilience asset capable of moving an extraordinary 7,000 litres of water every minute. With up to three kilometres of hose, it has proved invaluable during major incidents, including the recent moorland fires following our prolonged hot and dry weather.

Burnley also houses a specialist Hazardous Materials Unit, equipped to respond to incidents involving substances ranging from asbestos to toxic chemicals, helping to protect both people and the environment.

At Ormskirk, crews are specially trained and equipped for water rescue and for the challenging task of rescuing and lifting large animals, including cattle and horses. These operations require considerable technical expertise, teamwork and, I imagine, a fairly cooperative horse!

My thanks to everyone at both stations for such a warm welcome and for giving me a fascinating insight into the remarkable breadth of work undertaken by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (Official).

We rightly admire their courage, but today was also a powerful reminder of the extraordinary skill and constant training that sit behind it.

22/08/2026

Sometimes the most important thing we can give someone is the knowledge that they don’t have to face life alone.

A wonderful afternoon at the An Inclusive Future C.I.C Summer Fair, meeting visitors, stallholders and, particularly, some of the brilliant AIF team who support people facing mental health challenges across West and Central Lancashire.

Behind all the fun of a family day out was an important purpose - raising money for men’s mental health.

AIF uses peer support and lived experience to help people rebuild confidence, independence and hope. There is something incredibly powerful about hearing “I understand” from someone who genuinely does.

The day was also a very special tribute to Nick, a much-loved member of the team who sadly died from cancer last year. Nick was a passionate advocate for men’s mental health and created EmpowerMENt, providing a safe place for men to talk, be heard and receive support without judgement.

This year’s fundraising continues that wonderful legacy.

A huge thank you to the AIF team, stallholders, volunteers and everyone who supported the day.

Talk, listen and never be afraid to ask someone, “How are you... really?”

21/08/2026

Lived experience has a power that no textbook or training course can ever fully replicate.

It was inspiring to visit Red Rose Recovery and meet a team who use their own experiences of addiction, mental health challenges and recovery to help others believe that change really is possible.

Those who have travelled a difficult road themselves can offer something uniquely valuable – genuine understanding, credibility and, perhaps most importantly, hope. They can meet people without judgement, recognise the challenges they face and show them that recovery is not simply an idea, but something that can be achieved.

Red Rose Recovery’s motto is “Building Communities by Believing in People” – and that belief was evident in everyone I met. Lived experience here is not defined by the past. It has become a strength, helping people to rebuild their lives and then reach back to support others.

Thank you to the whole team for such a warm welcome and for the honest and moving conversations.

20/08/2026

Exceptional by name, exceptional by nature.

Hope Street provides free, accessible support for people facing an extraordinary range of challenges. Its work includes mental health and wellbeing support, autism and ADHD groups, dementia and carers’ support, bereavement and loneliness support, and help for those affected by cancer, menopause and domestic abuse. It also provides a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community, children, young people and families.

Alongside peer support, Hope Street offers a wide range of social, creative and wellbeing activities, as well as affordable food and practical help for those struggling with the cost of living. No referral is required - people can simply reach out when they need support.

Even from speaking to just a small number of the people it helps, it was clear what an important and trusted hub Hope Street has become.

It was wonderful to visit Hope Street Community Hub and Cafe in Ormskirk and meet its founder, Sheila Byrne.

I have generally tried during my year as High Sheriff to visit organisations that haven’t previously received a High Sheriff, but I’m delighted that I made an exception for Hope Street - because Hope Street really is exceptional.

My sincere thanks to Sheila, her team and all the volunteers for their very warm welcome, and for the care, understanding and hope they provide to so many people.

19/08/2026

After such a long, hot and dry spell, the rain was very welcome at Rhyddings Park – especially in the beautiful Kitchen Garden! ☔🌱

It certainly didn’t dampen the warmth of the welcome from Ann Warrington and the amazing volunteers at The Coach House & Kitchen Garden in Oswaldtwistle.

With 55 volunteers and more than 500 visitors every week, this is a thriving community hub bringing people together through gardening, wellbeing sessions, children’s activities, crafts, workshops, live music and a volunteer-run café.

More importantly, it provides friendship, confidence and a real sense of belonging for people of all ages.

Thank you to Ann and the entire team for a wonderful visit – grassroots community spirit at its very best.

19/08/2026

Bringing law, policing and forensic science to life.

The School of Law and Policing at the Universityoflancashire has an extraordinary range of facilities to prepare students for careers across the legal and criminal justice systems.

This realistic courtroom allows future lawyers and expert witnesses to develop their advocacy and courtroom skills in an authentic setting.

Elsewhere, the Crime Scene House contains flats transformed into remarkably convincing - and sometimes quite gory - crime scenes for forensic science students. The Hydra Minerva Suite also places participants inside unfolding emergency situations, helping them develop decision-making skills under pressure.

Even more impressive is the School’s reach beyond the campus, including groundbreaking work with prisons and across the wider criminal justice system.

It was fascinating to see how academic knowledge, practical training and real-world impact are being brought together - something of which Lancashire can be very proud.

16/08/2026

More than 100,000 pieces of plastic removed from our beaches in a single week - an extraordinary example of what can be achieved when a community comes together.

Since 2019, IHOPE Fylde volunteers have worked in all weathers to help keep the Fylde coastline clean, safe and beautiful. They’ve collected hundreds of bags of rubbish and contributed tens of thousands of hours of voluntary service.

Their impact goes far beyond the litter they remove. By involving young people, schools, community groups and businesses, they’re helping to create a lasting culture of responsibility, pride and care for our environment.

It was wonderful to spend time with the volunteers and hear more about their work before presenting IHOPE with a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of their outstanding service to the community and the environment.

Thank you to Tracey and every IHOPE volunteer. You’re protecting our coastline, helping wildlife and showing that civic pride isn’t merely something we talk about - it’s something we do.

14/08/2026

The Raft Foundation - Rossendale's Foodbank provides a vital lifeline for individuals and families facing hardship across the area.

Supported by more than 40 dedicated volunteers, the foodbank delivers emergency food packages directly to people in need - ensuring help reaches those who may be unable to collect it themselves.

Behind every package is kindness, dignity and the reassurance that nobody should have to face a crisis alone. The commitment of the volunteers and supporters who make this possible is truly inspiring.

It was wonderful to visit The Raft Foundation in Rawtenstall with the Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Liz McInnes, and learn more about the difference this remarkable local charity makes every day.

Thank you to everyone involved for the warm welcome and for all that you do.