OUTSTANDING individuals, volunteers and organisations from across North Wales have been honoured at the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin’s, Community Awards 2026, held at the Quay Hotel in Deganwy.
The annual awards celebrate the dedication, compassion and innovation of those working to make North Wales’ communities safer, stronger and more resilient. Opening the ceremony, Mr Dunbobbin praised the ‘exceptional’ people who continue to make a difference across the region. He added that the awards highlight the ‘human spirit and endeavour’ that underpin community safety and said that the winners have ‘gone above and beyond’ to support victims, prevent crime and strengthen neighbourhoods across North Wales.
This year’s awards recognised a diverse range of achievements by people and organisation from across the region.
The Rural and Wildlife Champion Award was presented to the Llyn Brenig Osprey Project, which has helped protect the vulnerable osprey population at the lake following criminal damage that threatened its future. Through partnership working, enhanced monitoring and volunteer support, the project has ensured that ospreys continue to breed in the area.
The Safer Community Award was presented to Rhian Lloyd Williams of Grŵp Cynefin, whose tireless work alongside police has improved safety for residents and supported vulnerable individuals in the housing sector, including helping tackle exploitation and anti-social behaviour.
The Community Resilience Award recognised Wrexham AFC Street Dragons, an early intervention programme engaging young people across North Wales through sport and mentoring, helping divert them away from crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Volunteer Award was awarded to Claire Watson Mack, who has dedicated 20 years to supporting victims of crime with compassion, professionalism and a commitment to ensuring their voices are heard.
Linda Parry received the Survivor Empowerment Award for more than 25 years of advocacy and leadership supporting victims, including through her role at the North Wales Victim Help Centre in St Asaph.
The Community Champion Award went to Councillor Dawn Lynne Jones of the Cadnant Ward in Caernarfon for her unwavering commitment to residents in the town, bringing together partners to address community safety issues and support local initiatives.
The Supporting Vulnerable Victims Award was presented to Sophie Copeland-Holmes of Tîm Dyffryn Clwyd Mental Health Team, who was recognised for her exceptional work supporting people in crisis and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation through strong partnership working.
Leaola Roberts-Biggs from Flintshire received the Young People’s Award for her leadership as a North Wales Police Young Ambassador, contributing over 1,200 hours of volunteering and championing youth voices in community safety.
The Team of the Year Award was awarded to Eternal Media, a Wrexham-based social enterprise combining professional media production with rehabilitation programmes that have supported hundreds of people to rebuild their lives.
The evening concluded with the PCC’s Special Recognition Award, presented to Hannah Rowan for nearly 30 years of youth work in Rhyl. Her leadership has supported generations of young people, including developing inclusive initiatives such as LGBTQ+ youth support and contributing to violence prevention programmes.
PCC Dunbobbin said: “My Community Awards shine a light on the incredible people and organisations who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. Their dedication, compassion and commitment make North Wales a safer and stronger place for us all.
“Our communities play an enormous role in supporting policing and preventing crime, and my Awards showcase the huge impact of partnership, volunteering and local leadership. I thank all the winners for their hard work and dedication to their fellow citizens.”
Special Recognition Award winner Hannah Rowan said: “Receiving this Special Recognition Award from the Police and Crime Commissioner means a great deal.
“Nearly 30 years of working alongside North Wales Police has been about building genuine, honest communication with communities who have traditionally felt misunderstood or at odds with the police.
“This award feels like a celebration of that ongoing, two-way commitment. Most of all, it recognises the dedication of an exceptional team of youth workers and the young people they work with; young people facing real barriers who are being supported to build aspirations and find the means to achieve them.
“I’m delighted to thank the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their support and to accept the award on behalf of the whole team of West Rhyl Young People’s Project.”
Councillor Dawn Lynne Jones commented: “It’s a great privilege to receive this unexpected PCC Community Award. I love being able to help people; it’s what I do best.
“I have been a part of different community groups for the last 15 years. Taking care of my neighbours and making sure my neighbourhood and town is a safe place to live is important to me.
“I have worked with children, young people and their families for 35 years. Working with young people has always been something I am passionate about, and seeing them grow in confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their goals is the greatest reward.
“This recognition reinforces the importance of investing in the next generation and it motivates me to continue making a positive difference in my community.”
Jamie Edwards, Head of Community & Foundation, Wrexham AFC Foundation, added: “Wrexham AFC Foundation is honoured to receive this Community Resilience Award and it is a reflection of the incredible work that Megan and the entire Street Dragons team do daily for the benefit of the young people within the programme.
“Over the past two years, we have worked hard to positively change young people’s lives through the power of football and strengthen their community connections.
“We are also grateful for the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, whose backing has enabled us to expand Street Dragons across North Wales and increase our impact.
“This recognition means a great deal to us and reinforces our commitment to continuing to grow Street Dragons as our flagship programme.”
