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Stephen Lawrence Day

This week we marked Stephen Lawrence Day, commemorating the teenager from south east London who was murdered in a racially-motivated attack in 1993.

Stephen’s brutal death on April 22 1993 sent shockwaves around the world.

The way in which his case was handled by the Metropolitan Police at that time was appalling. The Macpherson Report uncovered a network of corruption that led to major changes in policing throughout the UK.

Thankfully, because of Stephen, policing and other public services have come a long way since then. I am proud that here in Gwent we are making serious strides in increasing community cohesion, and ensuring that our police force and staff are representative of the communities they serve.

Covid-19: your questions answered

Many of you have asked what Gwent Police are doing to enforce the restrictions implemented by the UK and Welsh Governments.

Since lockdown began, Gwent Police have been out in our communities, engaging with residents, explaining the importance to stay at home and encouraging people to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Sadly, there are still a minority of people who continue to ignore the instructions.

These people are putting us all at greater risk. Gwent Police have no other option than to enforce warnings and issue fines to those who ignore the guidance.

To date, 80 fines have been issued but fines are very much a last resort.

I am pleased that the majority of people are following the guidelines, helping to keep themselves and their communities safe.

Guest blog: Gill Howells, Police and Crime Panel Chair

I became involved with the Gwent Police and Crime Panel in 2016, before becoming chair last year.

Having taken a career break after more than 20 years in local government finance, I was looking at public appointments as a route to ‘engage the brain’. I saw an advert for the role of Independent Member on the panel and, as it was a role looking at performance within the public sector, it really appealed to me.

After successfully applying to be an Independent Member, I attended my first meeting in December 2016.

Read the full blog on the OPCC website.

It has been fantastic to see young people across Gwent taking a lead and encouraging their friends and family to stay home and stay safe during this international crisis.

Young people from every county have been uploading videos to Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram to show how they are keeping occupied and urging others to stay home.

To see the videos, follow @GwentPCC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds, and searching for #StayinforGwent on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

Covid-19 funding for community groups

GAVO has been given a small pot of money by Welsh Government to distribute in small grants to support voluntary groups who are actively providing vital COVID-19 support to their communities in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Newport.

To find out more or to apply, visit GAVO’s website.

Victims' Commissioner's survey

The Victims’ Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, has launched a survey to help shape her response to the revised Code of Practice for Victims (known as the Victims' Code).

Dame Baird wants to hear about victims’ experiences of every stage of the criminal justice process, from the initial incident through the police investigation to any subsequent court hearing. You can share your experiences at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/victimscodesurvey/

The survey closes on Tuesday 5 May.

For more information about the role of the Victims’ Commissioner and Victims’ Code, go to https://victimscommissioner.org.uk/victims-commissioner/

Local authority contacts and support

Each local authority has support mechanisms in place to ensure that vulnerable people have access to essential supplies, information and support during these difficult times.

Blaenau Gwent
Call 01495 311556

Caerphilly
For information and support call 01443 811490
For adult social services call 0808 100 2500

Monmouthshire
To register as shielded call 01633 644644
If you are not registered as shielded but need support call 01633 644696 or email partnerships@monmouthisre.gov.uk

Newport
Call 01633 656656

Torfaen
Call 01495 762200 or email calltorfaen@torfaen.gov.uk

Additional support is available from Age Cymru. Call 08000 223 444 or email enquiries@agecymru.org.uk

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Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent · Turnpike Road · Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 2XJ · United Kingdom