A brand-new podcast series is being launched by Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez with the first episode featuring Mayor of Camborne James Ball who speaks candidly about his battle with mental health and the great work he’s doing to improve life for young people in the community.
Insights into daily life in the town are also shared by members of the public as well as local Inspector Lou Brown and antisocial behaviour (ASB) officer Kay Smith who talk about their work to make Camborne a better place for everyone.
Called Your VIP (Your Voice in Policing) – a reference to the Commissioner’s vital role of acting on behalf of the public to be their voice in policing – each episode will be recorded on location from the OPCC engagement van and will feature a ‘VIP’ guest interviewed by hosts Commissioner Hernandez and Ben Woolvin, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner head of communications and public affairs.
The aim is to give a greater insight into the work of the police as well as key people who play pivotal roles in combatting crime and keeping residents safe in their local communities.
The first episode, available to listen to now on Spotify, was recorded in Camborne during a visit to launch a project called Street Focus which aims to improve safety in town and city centres.
The project brings partners together to intensify “outstanding” efforts that reduce crime and ASB, support local businesses and invest in opportunities for young people.
VIP guest councillor Ball shares his inspirational story about how he overcame his mental health struggles after ending up in a wheelchair and how becoming a town councillor for Camborne three-and-a-half years ago, giving him a new purpose.
Cllr Ball helped set up and runs a youth club in the town and has a passion for empowering young people by making sure their voices are heard at all levels. He is keen to tackle issues of street drinkers, drug dealing and ASB in the town.
In the podcast he said: “We’ve done a lot of work with the town council, Cornwall Council, the police and ASB officers. From 12 to 18 months ago to where we are now, it’s a huge difference.”
He continued: “It was intimidating to come into the town. I’ve even had a street drinker jump on the back of my wheelchair and break the back of it. Now, people stop me going up through the town saying, ‘thank you so much for the work that you’ve done and because Camborne is starting to feel safer I can come in my town again.”
Cllr Ball reaped praise upon the power of collaborative partnership efforts including Camborne Town Council, Cornwall Council, police, street marshals, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers.
He also acknowledged the impact of having Camborne ASB officer Kay Smith. She is employed by Cornwall Council and her role is partly funded by the OPCC.
During her 18 months in the role, in which she is supported by the police, she has been credited with bringing about significant improvements by being out on the streets day after day dealing with issues such as street drinkers and helping to secure closure orders on premises with ongoing ASB issues.
Sector Inspector for Camborne Lou Brown also reveals the efforts being made by police to combat crime.
In the podcast, she said: “We are one of the busiest sectors in Cornwall.”
Making a plea, she added: “Please let the police know what’s going on. We will always try to do our best and, get to those crime reports and, update you on what’s going on, where we can.”
During the episode, the Commissioner also answers questions from the public and will continue to do so in future podcasts.
She said: “It never ceases to amaze me the incredible efforts made by people in both a paid for and voluntary capacity to help keep our communities safe. Individuals who frequently go above and beyond deserve to be recognised and that is why I am launching a podcast series to shine the spotlight on some of those I have had the pleasure to meet while serving as your Police and Crime Commissioner.
“I hope Your VIP gives you a positive glimpse into the good work that is being done to create a better world for us all.”
To view the podcast, please click here.