Det Sgt Lucy Garside Wins South Yorkshire Police Federation Inspiration in Policing Award

A Police Officer who has worked tirelessly to support female officers and parents within South Yorkshire Police has won a South Yorkshire Police Federation Inspiration in Policing Award.

Det Sgt Lucy Garside, who was instrumental in setting up the South Yorkshire Police Parents’ Network, having previously been the Deputy Chair of the force’s Women’s Network, was recognised at South Yorkshire Police Federation’s first ever Bravery Awards on 16 June.

The South Yorkshire Police Parents’ Network organises events for parents to meet and share their experiences, and raises funds for charities in the process. In helping to set up the network, Det Sgt Garside recognised that pregnancy, new parenthood and returning to the workplace could be challenging times for officers, especially considering the demands of policing, and that there was a need for emotional and physical support.

She was also the driving force behind the creation of a Parent Mentor Scheme, which helps parents in the workplace by giving advice from other officers who have been through similar experiences.

Mentors can help with issues including pregnancy loss, postnatal depression, IVF, adoption, solo parenting, premature birth and breastfeeding. All mentors involved in the scheme have been through similar experiences themselves within the past two years.

In addition, Det Sgt Garside oversaw the Woman of The Year Award in 2020 and 2021, where deserving women in South Yorkshire Police were recognised for their contribution and leadership.

She also launched the inaugural Inspirational Parents Award in June 2021, which was given to PCs Nickie and Steve Walch for their fundraising and awareness-raising efforts after their teenage son was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Det Insp Stacey Hellewell, Chair of the South Yorkshire Police Women’s Network, said: “Lucy has such passion, drive and determination, never asking for any thanks and giving so much of her free time to make a difference. Lucy is truly deserving of this Award.”

Steve Kent, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “Lucy has done so much to support women and parents within South Yorkshire Police at what can be a very difficult time for people. She is a true inspiration.

“Lucy fully deserves to win this Award and we thank her for everything she’s done.”

Det Sgt Garside attended the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards ceremony on 16 June.

The Awards are in Association with The Northern Healthcare Scheme. The hashtag for the event is #SYPFBravery.