We are absolutely delighted to share that Lynne, Chair of Merseyside Neighbourhood Watch Association, has been named in the New Year Honours List as a BEM (British Empire Medal) recipient for her unfaltering contribution towards helping keep others safe through her work with Neighbourhood Watch, known locally as Home Watch.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “Lynne has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in [the] New Year Honours, and it is fantastic to see a member of the public who has selflessly dedicated her life to helping others stay safe. In 2020, having previously been Deputy Chair of Merseyside Neighbourhood Watch, her unswerving commitment resulted in her instated as the countywide Chair where she currently works with a network of Neighbourhood Watch leaders to uphold the mission and values of Neighbourhood Watch Network (NWN).
“Lynne plays a crucial role in bringing together and working in partnership with NWN, Merseyside Police, residents, businesses, and scheme leaders. She is a regular speaker on local radio shows on crime prevention matters, where her enthusiasm and commitment for her work shines through. Lynne regularly engages with Community Policing Teams to ensure they are aware of local schemes and to share crime prevention advice, and has also built strong relationships with counterparts in neighbouring counties to educate and protect residents from becoming victims of cross border crime.”
Cheryl Spruce, Head of Membership and Community Engagement with NWN, said: “In 2021, Lynne took up the mantle of Chair of the Merseyside NWA. Lynne very quickly set about building a team where all the districts were represented and supported. In doing this, Lynne also represented Merseyside at the regular Association Leads meetings, providing a voice from her force area. She has learnt new skills, using our membership database, working closely with the Neighbourhood Policing and Citizens in Policing teams in Merseyside as well. Lynne has sat in our focus groups about building membership. She is a very valuable, friendly and thorough-minded Chair and she is an asset to Merseyside.
For the short period of time that Lynne has led her team, we are so proud of the impact on the partners, members, and volunteers that she has.”
On receiving her award, Lynne said: “I was so shocked when I received the news, to use a well known Liverpool expression, I was Gobsmacked! I felt very humbled and surprised that I had been honoured with such an accolade. It is great to see the profile of Neighbourhood Watch and Home Watch raised, and I am hopeful of more groups being formed in the months ahead. I would like to thank Merseyside police and the Central Support Team at Neighbourhood Watch for your continued support”.
Congratulations Lynne!