Latest news with #KellyPhillips
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘We need to honor that sacrifice': The 2025 Peace Officer's Memorial Service
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Law enforcement officers, families, and community members came together at the Bibb Mill Event Center to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by fallen officers. The annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, recognized fallen officers from across Georgia and Alabama. This year's Roll Call of Heroes included names stretching back to the 1800s, each read aloud and honored in solemn silence. There were 43 names called. Each name that echoed through the room served as a reminder of the lives lost. The service included a proclamation from Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. As well as representative speakers from the Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Muscogee County Prison, and Rutledge State Prison. 'We need to honor that sacrifice both on the part of the officer as well as their families.' said Sgt. Kelly Phillips, the Fraternal Order of Police, Vice President. 'I would hope the public would look at an event like this and realize there are still individuals out there who want to serve, who want to help… and that we're human too.' The Fraternal Order of Police says the memorial is also a reminder to the public that behind every badge is a person, and behind every name is a family. The Peace Officers' Memorial Service is held each year in May, aligning with National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th. The Fraternal Order of Police says it hopes to see even greater turnout next year as the community continues to honor its heroes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'I felt safe': West London SEND nightclub holds its first event for neurodivergent adults
A brand new inclusive nightclub has hosted its first event in West London. The initiative aims to bring young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) together in a safe and fun environment. Club House Hillingdon opened its doors for the first time on Thursday (February 27) at Brunel University in Uxbridge. The initiative was first launched by Orchard Hill College students in Sutton in 2023, and has been considered a 'great success'. The new club night is the latest event to be held as part of that. Tia, 24, was a student at Orchard Hill College, a specialist college with centres spread across London. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the Club House has helped her grow her confidence, and urges others to join. READ MORE: Crystal Palace and Milwall fans warned of 'no away pubs' and station closure for 'safety' READ MORE: 'Massive disruption' expected as Gallows Corner flyover major upgrade confirmed with speed limit changes She said: "It's been great to just be able to be an adult, and enjoy an adult life. Before the Club House, there weren't any places in my area I could really go to socialise with friends. "It's not only me, but other people who don't go out, or have the advantage to go out to places, it gives them the opportunity to do that. I haven't been to any places like this since I was younger, it's nice to occasionally have a shandy or coke with friends. "I felt safe with the staff there, and I brought a friend along, so I'd recommend people doing something similar to that, it's open and we have security there. I think people would feel safe coming." The Club House also offers a chance for young adults with SEND to develop skills for future employment, whilst being paid. Past and present Orchard Hill College students developed the idea and now attend or work at the events. The initiative began in Sutton in 2023 with the support of councillors from Sutton Council. The local authority provided six months funding to the programme which has 'gone from strength to strength since'. Kelly Phillips, Executive Principal of Orchard Hill College, said the initiative is about giving young people with SEND the same opportunities that their neurotypical peers enjoy. She told the LDRS it is wrong that many people assume neurodivergent young adults can't enjoy a drink or a club night with friends. She said: "The idea is that it will be run by people with SEND, it's totally set up and run by them. Everything around it is about breaking down barriers and just allowing people to just be, and be celebrated for who they are. "There's never a dull moment, it's the only place I go on a Thursday night where I always have fun, you'll never leave the dancefloor. Sadly, provisions of local services are closing down, and money is tight at the moment, and for those young people, once their youth club finishes there is nothing for them to do at night time." The Club House events take place monthly, with the next event on Thursday, March 27 at the Hamilton Centre at Brunel University. It runs from 7pm to 10pm and tickets can be purchased on the door or online via Eventbrite. Each ticket comes with a free pass for one carer. Have a story you want to share? Email Don't miss out on the biggest West London news. Sign up to our MyWestLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more.
