GMP receives Homo Heroes Award

Greater Manchester Police awarded the Homo Heroes award for Public Sector Partner of the year

Greater Manchester Police has been awarded the Homo Heroes award for Public Sector Partner of the year.

The Force was awarded the accolade by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation at their annual awards ceremony on Friday 4 October 2013. Now in its third year, the Homo Heroes Awards recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have made a difference to the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, in the past year.

GMP was awarded for its ongoing commitment by officers and staff to keep people safe in communities across Greater Manchester. They were also recognised for their continued engagement and partnership with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Garry Shewan, Assistant Chief Constable for Greater Manchester Police, said; “I feel incredibly proud that Greater Manchester Police has been recognised for its work in keeping the LGBT communities of Greater Manchester safe. As a force we have undergone a significant period of change but through it all we have maintained our core objective which is to ensure the safety of everyone.

“Going forward I am personally making a commitment to ensure there is greater understanding, awareness and training for staff and officers across the borough to tackle hatred and create integration. There continues to be a gap in our understanding of the needs of those from the Transgender community suffering hate crime.

“As a Force we are already working closer with community groups and we are determined to raise awareness and knowledge in the next 12 months to highlight our commitment to tackling hate crime in all its guises.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate PCSO Lisa Brookes who was awarded the special commendation for her work in the village. She has made a real difference in the village and is dedicated to supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community."

More than 450 nominations and over 6,000 votes were cast across the seven public categories, Community Champion of the year, Business of the year, Lesbian, gay or bisexual role model of the year, Public Sector Partner of the year, Volunteer of the year, Community group or organisation of the year, LGB&T venue of the Year Award, The Alan Turing Memorial Award and Outstanding Achievement Award.

The Alan Turing Memorial Award, which celebrates an individual or group that has made a difference to lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Manchester resulted in three accolades, which included a special commendation to Police Community Support Officer Lisa Brookes, from the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Lisa was recognised for helping to lead the candle lit procession for World AIDS Day last year, on her day off and for eagerness to help everyone. She always takes time to help, even when it means going out of her way.