Michelle was unable to attend the conference and her award was accepted on her behalf by Tim Robson. Official presentation was made by Chief Constable Michael Barton Durham Police at a later date.
Michelle is a Police Community Support Officer with Durham Constabulary. In 2011, she transferred to the newly developed Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit and at that time she started to work closely with the Pubwatch schemes in Consett, Stanley and Chester Le Street.
Michelle has taken a leading role in delivering a number of harm reduction initiatives which directly impact on customer safety. In 2015 following the rape a young female in Newcastle she was one of the main promoters of a vulnerability training campaign to educate licensees and door staff of the issues surrounding intoxicated customers. The training has been delivered to literally hundreds of venues in the North East.
Later when a number students tragically lost their life in Durham City due to drowning whilst under the influence of alcohol she incorporated this issue into her presentations and delivered training, not just to university students but others on the drinking circuit.
She also worked closely with the family of Kristian Thompson who suffered appalling brain injuries and later died of his injuries, to raise awareness of the ‘One punch kills’ campaign.
She has been involved in numerous other initiatives; from tackling legal highs to counter terrorism. She even organised the Pubwatch Christmas cards which are sent out to people on the banned list!
Michelle Gill Chair of Stanley Pubwatch says:
“Michelle has been an invaluable asset to Stanley Pubwatch. She never refuses to help. Her enthusiasm and strength of commitment to our members is second to none”.
Alan Marshall Chair of Consett Pubwatch says:
“I would just like to tell you how much we appreciate her support. She gives of her own time freely and really is the backbone of our scheme”.
Sergeant Mick Urwin of Durham Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit says:
“Michelle has been active in promoting Consett Street Friends; liaising with Pubwatch to ensure they are supported and is actively doing the same in other Pubwatch areas. She has developed and delivered vulnerability training to door staff working in conjunction with Pubwatch and the SIA. She works tirelessly to make sure there is a good working partnership between Pubwatch and Durham Constabulary”.
PC Claire McNaney an Alcohol Harm Reduction Officer says:
“Michelle is one of the most dedicated officers I know. Her commitment to her role in supporting Pubwatch is both inspiring and admirable; often working double shifts or staying back at the last minute; whether that be to deliver vulnerability training, promote One Punch North East or to assist with Street Friends. Michelle gave One Punch North East a great deal of time and effort, in reaching out to local Pubwatches and encouraging them to promote the cause in their premises. Michelle is a well-liked, highly regarded officer who I am proud to work with”.
