People in the North East working with prisoners have been recognised for their efforts to support rehabilitation and reduce re-offending.

The Nepacs Ruth Cranfield Awards, which have been running for 19 years, celebrate the work of individuals and teams across the north-east who have made a difference in the criminal justice system.

Charity Nepacs has been working in the criminal justice field for 142 years and aims to highlight the work of those who deserve particular recognition for their efforts.

This year’s awards were presented by guest speaker Helen Judge, area executive director HMPPS North East, Yorkshire, and Humber, at an event on September 13 at Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street.

The four main awards were presented to Emma Betts, prison offender manager at HMP Low Newton, Tanya Cleary, Dart recovery co-ordinator at Humankind, HMP Kirklevington, Stephen Harding, peer worker at NHS Secure Outreach Team, and Kay Richmond, probation officer in Redcar, Middlesbrough, and Cleveland.

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Nepacs trustee Sheila Seacroft, who organises the awards on behalf of the charity, said: "The Nepacs Ruth Cranfield Awards highlight and celebrate examples of exceptional work by our partner colleagues in the north-east in supporting rehabilitation and reducing the risk of reoffending.

"Our aim is to celebrate good work and to ensure innovative practice and ideas are broadcast as widely as possible so that they can be replicated elsewhere.

"It’s a pleasure to give recognition to those whose work is so often unseen and undervalued throughout our society.

"I would like to congratulate and thank everyone who received a certificate of commendation and all our award winners for going above and beyond to make a difference to the lives of people involved in the criminal justice system who want to turn their lives around.

"All of our winners and recipients of certificates have gone the extra mile to help support a positive future for their clients and offer hope for the future."

Helen Judge said: "I am thrilled to be celebrating the brilliant work that has been recognised at these awards."