A LOCAL charity Trustee, Doug Wildey, was awarded the High Sheriff Personal Award, today, Thursday 23rd February, for long standing services to domestic abuse survivors.

The retired solicitor has kept his practice up to date so he can support victims of domestic abuse to access legal advice. He hosts a weekly legal guidance clinic, as well as helping survivors fill out legal documents.

Doug has been a trustee of Safer Places, a domestic abuse support service based in Essex and Hertfordshire, since the organisation’s founding over 40 years ago.

Nicholas Alston CBE DL, the High Sheriff of Essex, said: “I am delighted to be visiting Safer Places today, an organisation I have known for more than 10 years. I have a high regard for the work it does to support the too many victims of domestic abuse. It is a particular pleasure today to award a High Sheriff’s Certificate to Doug Wildey in recognition of his support over 40 years for the victims of domestic abuse through offering legal advice.

“Our communities would be much the poorer were it not for organisations like Safer Places and the remarkable generosity and commitment of people like Doug.”

Janet Dalrymple, CEO of Safer Places, said: “We are immensely proud and delighted that Doug has been recognised for his outstanding services and unfaltering commitment to helping survivors of domestic abuse. Doug has been a trustee of Safer Places since we were formed over 40 years ago, and he continues to be an indispensable part of our work here.

“We hope Doug recognises the extent to which he has changed the lives of survivors, and is able to look at the work he’s done with pride.”

The High Sheriff’s Personal Award is a certificate issued personally by the High Sheriff as a token of appreciation of hard work and service that has made a valuable contribution to the life of the community and to the County of Essex.