28-03-2025
High Sheriff's Awards celebrate Dr Ruth Smith's year in office
The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire has marked her year in office with a focus on supporting vulnerable children, particularly those impacted by domestic abuse.
At a High Sheriff's Awards event at Allerton Castle, Dr Ruth Smith reflected on her achievements and the community organisations she championed throughout the region.
She attended more than 250 events during her tenure, including visits to local courts and emergency services, as well as meetings with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Among the attendees at the event was David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire (Image: Supplied)
Dr Smith worked to raise awareness of the effects of domestic abuse on children.
She led workshops with survivors, charities, and legal professionals, resulting in 36 "actionable improvements" across North Yorkshire.
She also hosted a conference on the effects of trauma on children, attended by 75 people, mostly from schools, who received practical strategies to support young people.
Dr Smith said: "This has been an incredibly rewarding year, full of both challenges and triumphs.
"The passion and commitment I've seen from the organisations here tonight, along with the resilience of the children they support, have been a true source of inspiration.
"As I conclude my time as High Sheriff, I am proud to honour these charities and the life-changing work they do."
At the High Sheriff's Awards event at Allerton Castle, she celebrated the work of community organisations supporting children and young people in the region.
Awards were given to Autism Angels in Nidderdale, WHISH (Whitby Hidden Impairment Support & Help), Just B in Harrogate, The Wave Project, The Island in York, Gallows Close Centre, and New Beginnings Peer Support.
Celia McKeon, chief executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, spoke at the gathering (Image: Supplied)
Dr Smith was joined by Diana Parkes CBE from the Joanna Simpson Foundation, who shared her story of the murder of her daughter Joanna Simpson through domestic violence.
Celia McKeon, chief executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said: "The baseline for the work is love and care, and it is all about building relationships of trust and mutual support.
"The outcomes achieved by the groups are powerful.
Dr Smith was said to have attended more than 250 events during her tenure (Image: Supplied)
"They create belonging, inclusion, connection, confidence, purpose, and empowerment.
"These groups pick up the pieces when our systems and institutions fail.
"They build the foundations needed for resilient, hopeful communities.
"They deserve our support and investment."
David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, added: "This evening, and the High Sheriff's year, truly show the power of our communities and the impact they have on local people's lives.
"I've already seen for myself some of the great work tonight's winners are doing, and I'm proud to have helped directly fund some of that work."
The event was supported by Lewis Silkin, Harrogate Family Law, Acorn Retreat, PM Management Consultants, Joanna Simpson Foundation, and Drax and Harrogate and District Soroptimists, all of whom sponsored an award.
