Grandmother honoured after life saving patrol

A grandmother who helped save a suicidal woman while on a community patrol is to be honoured during Volunteers' Week.

Nina Hayr, 71, from Handsworth, Birmingham, will receive an award from the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner after dedicating hundreds of hours to help keep her neighbourhood safe.

The former social worker founded the Friends of Friary StreetWatch group in 2018 after becoming frustrated by anti social behaviour and illegal parking near her home, blocking her from walking past with her two young grandchildren.

She leads a team of seven volunteers who patrol the area twice a month, reporting issues including fly tipping, drug dealing, criminal damage and illegal parking.

One of their most memorable patrols involved helping a woman in crisis.

"We were on our usual patrol and doing a spot of litter picking, when a woman approached us asking us to call her an ambulance," Hayr said.

"She said, 'I want to kill myself. Call me an ambulance. Please'.

"We did and she got the help she needed. I will never forget that. Whatever comes our way, we have to deal with it."

Hayr will be recognised alongside other volunteers at an awards ceremony hosted by West Midlands Police during Volunteers' Week.

She said her motivation for launching the group stemmed from a determination to improve the local area.

"I am passionate about keeping my area clean and tidy," she said. "I don't like it when people don't follow the law."

The Friends of Friary StreetWatch group has contributed more than 200 volunteer hours since it was established, she said.

Across the West Midlands, 838 volunteers took part in 131 StreetWatch groups last year, carrying out more than 7,000 hours of patrols.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said volunteers such as the 71-year-old were "the absolute bedrock of our communities".

"Their community spirit and incredible vigilance prevent crime, reassure the vulnerable and, as Nina has courageously proven, can literally save lives," he said.

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