Page 24 - Federation Magazine December 2017 / January 2018

Socks and Chocs nominated So far this year, the charity has

for Pride of Britain Award provided:
l 7,779 pairs of socks,
l 2,616 boxes of chocolates
l 470 sleeping bags for
those affected by
homelessness.
Almost £25,000 has also been
spent on other items
including underwear, rent,
foil blankets, cookers, hats,
gloves and anything else
requested by homeless
A former West Midlands Police officer the word of the charity which he co-founded centres.
enjoyed a memorable day in London after and now chairs.
being recognised for his work with charity Socks and Chocs is a joint effort between
Socks and Chocs. around seven people all of whom – including
Ian Northcott was nominated for serving West Midlands officer Rosie Jones - The charity tries to ensure that homeless
Fund-raiser of the Year at the Pride of Britain were presented with the Queen’s Voluntary people have access to a pair of socks and
Awards thanks to his sterling efforts to help Medal last month. The Queen’s Award for other essential clothing, as well as chocolate
homeless people through the charity. Voluntary Service (QAVS) is the equivalent of treats.
The annual awards, now in their 18th the MBE but for voluntary groups. The Socks Socks and Chocs also funds bed and
year, honour people who have acted bravely and Chocs team picked up the QAVS at a breakfast accommodation, covers rent for
or extraordinarily in challenging situations. ceremony at The Guildhall in Worcester. homeless centres and does whatever else it
And while he didn’t win the overall “I am pleased that the team has been can to support homeless centres and
award, Ian and wife Liz – a PC in the West recognised as no-one associated with Socks outreach organisations do their jobs.
Mercia force – had a day to remember and Chocs takes a salary or even claims Anyone who wants to help Socks and
mixing with the stars like singers Michael expenses. Everything given is used as it Chocs – especially during the Christmas
Ball and Alexandra Burke and the leader of should be,” said Ian who received a British period - can do so by making a donation of
the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn. Empire Medal last year. socks, chocs or funds, running a collection or
It was a tremendous evening for Socks “Lots of people doing a little is better completing sponsored events for the group.
and Chocs though as he was able to spread than a few doing a lot!” Find out more at socksandchocs.co.uk

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS

NARPO is a rank-free association of retired police officers, dedicated to improving benefits for its members.
NARPO has Branches across West Midlands:-

Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, and Wolverhampton.

• FREE ADVICE – Pensions, Benefits, Computing, Taxation;
• MEMBER SERVICES – Welfare Support, Car, Health and Travel Insurance, Car Purchase, Domestic
Appliances, Trusted Legal Advisors, Mobile Phones, Travel Discounts, Job
Opportunities + National/Local Websites, National Magazine, Branch
Newsletters;
• SOCIAL EVENTS – Keep in touch with old friends and colleagues.

Annual membership fee deducted from pension:- £20.64 in 2018.

ARE YOU RETIRING SOON?
Join on-line www.NARPO.org, or for more information, contact the secretary of your preferred Branch:-

Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall:- www.NARPOWestMidlands.org
Wolverhampton:- www.NARPO-Wolverhampton.co.uk
24 federation December 2017/January 2018 www.westmidspolfed.com