Borough Commander Helen Millichap presents CONEL student Mek Mehmet-Yesil with an award for two years voluntary service with the Metropolitan Police.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing student at the College of Hariney, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) has been honoured with an award for devoting two years’ voluntary service to the Metropolitan Police.
Mek Mehmet-Yesil, 47, was among five volunteers receiving awards at the Haringey Borough Commander’s Commendation Ceremony at Alexandra Palace this week (22 May).
Mek was recognised for her reception work at Wood Green Custody Centre in Haringey and has also worked with other emergency services and awareness campaigns.
Borough Commander Helen Millichap presented Mek with her award at the ceremony, which was also attended by outgoing Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Ali Gul Ozbek.
“I am overwhelmed. It’s not something I expected,” said Mek.
“It’s very rewarding to see the difference you are making in the community. Although I have a badge, I don’t wear a uniform, and if there is an issue, people feel they can talk freely to me and I can then relay it to senior officers and help build trust.
“If you care about helping your community then volunteering is a great thing to do.”
Mek has also volunteered for St John Ambulance, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust and the London Ambulance Service.
Her selflessness was also evident earlier this month when she provided care and support to a student who collapsed at the College, until paramedics arrived.
Mek said: “It’s been my ambition to work in healthcare since I was 18 as I’ve always felt compassion for others and wanted to help and care for people. Now I’m hoping to go to university and study adult nursing or medical sciences.
“The teaching at CONEL has been fantastic. I’ve had the most amazing tutors who’ve given me so much encouragement to do well. I’m feeling really good about my future.”
Volunteers have been part of the Metropolitan Police Service for 15 years and Haringey has some of the longest serving among its team, who typically provide support for 10 hours a month.
They perform a wide range of roles from reception and general administration, supporting neighbourhood police teams and voluntary cadets as well as playing roles in police training.
At the ceremony, Detective Superintendent Des Fahy said: “Volunteers benefit the Met in a multitude of ways. They bring a wide range of skills and experience from their daily lives.
“Their contribution allows officers and staff to spend more time doing what they’re trained to do, which improves the service we provide.
“They act as advocates for the police, increasing understanding in the communities in which they live and work.”