News

Meet PC Amii Stewart and her experience of the pandemic

Published

1 year ago

February 23, 2022

PC Amii Stewart (left) and Chief Constable Winton Keenen (Credit: Northumbria Police)

PC Amii Stewart shared her experience, both personally and professionally, as part of the North East’s #BeatCovidNE campaign.

From losing a loved one to postponing her wedding to learning how to switch off and relax, the 30-year-old opened up about it all.

Reflecting on it, she expressed how nice it was to “show that police officers are so much more than the uniform.”

Since 2020, PC Stewart has appeared on TV and radio, as well as having her picture featured on buses, Metros and across shopping centres, as the region shared vital public health messaging to help people understand more about Covid 19 and how they could protect themselves and others.

When she volunteered to take part in the campaign, she had no idea what was in store for everyone over the next two years.

Her commitment to her job and her community later earned her a prestigious policing award.

The former Special Constable said: “When I was asked to take part in the campaign, I had no idea how big it would become.

“The aim was to have people from across the area, all services, sectors and backgrounds highlight why it was so important people followed the rules and guidance in place.

“I’m proud of how, as a region, we really came together and people overwhelmingly did the right thing to protect themselves, their loved ones and the wider community.”

PC Stewart described how “great” the reaction was that she received, speaking of all the “lovely messages” and how “buzzing” her family were.

She added: “It was such a good opportunity to show people we are human.”

Like many others, PC Stewart was determined to do the right thing during the various lockdowns.

She was especially aware of the role the Force played in not only engaging with people and encouraging them to follow the rules and taking enforcement action where necessary, but also acting as role models within the community.

PC Stewart said: “I became a Police Officer in 2019, so a large part of my career to date has been during the pandemic and I was able to just get on with it.

“When my fiancée contracted Covid, she had to go into hospital and I was so worried as I had no idea how poorly she would be. Like many others, we had to postpone our wedding and reschedule holidays.

“I was also doing my grandparents’ shopping and leaving it at their door, but sadly my granny died in September 2020 and it was really hard because the family hadn’t been able to see her properly.

“So many people experienced so many hard and horrible things but I’ve tried to take some positives from it.

“I have worked since I was 15 and used to be busy most nights so the pandemic was hard at first but then I learned how to relax and switch off.”

It was this bright attitude and resilience that saw PC Stewart win the Catherine Pawlikow Memorial Award for extraordinary public service at the Force’s annual Pride in Policing ceremony.

She said she is “very humbled” to receive an award.

Chief Constable Winton Keenen was on hand to present PC Stewart with the award on the night.

Chief Constable Keenen said: “When you join the police, as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you have a real opportunity to make a difference in the community and Amii has certainly achieved that as a result of her work as part of the regional Covid campaign.

“She should be extremely proud of the role she has played, in what has been, a fantastic effort to help protect the community during the pandemic.

“She is an inspiration to her colleagues and anyone considering a career in policing – and I was delighted to present her with the award at our Pride in Policing event.”

He added: “Throughout the pandemic, the messaging was very much about keeping people safe and I was incredibly proud as to how the communities in the North East found ways to support each other.

“As we look to the future and live with the ongoing impact of Covid, I very much hope that this community spirit continues to shine through.”

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Featured

Karen’s Diner on Tour is BACK IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE!!

Published

5 days ago

March 17, 2023

Chris Tubman

Karens Diner on Tour Newcastle upon Tyne

Karen’s Diner on Tour coming to town on tour and ‘well if y’all show up in force we’ll either come as a longer term pop up or simply just stay put for a while until we’ve insulted everyone in the North East!’

Get your tickets here: Karens Diner Newcastle tickets

We have spoken to the top Karen who assures everyone who went last time that Bottomless means BOTTOMLESS!

At our pop-up Karen’s you will be greeted and waited upon by rude waiters who in return are expecting you to give it full Karen. A place where you can complain until the cows come home because we literally don’t care. You can expect good food, good fun and a dining experience like you’ve never had before. Let us know if it’s your birthday, if your name is Karen and for the love of Karen don’t ask to speak to the manager….

Your ticket includes a delicious BOTTOMLESS pizza and BOTTOMLESS prossecco or select spirits and mixers as well as select soft drinks drinks for a full 90mins

*We cater for all allergens

You will get full and authentic Karen experience – our games, our waitstaff and the full works. Decent food provided by the venue (we hope) and BOTTOMLESS booze for those who love a drink. This is a dining experience like no other – literally. Come enjoy the OG Karen’s from OG Karen’s.

Don’t accept imitations – book now to avoid missing out!

See our two below YouTube videos from the last time they were in the toon to see what to expect…

Follow our channel for more local videos…

*affiliate link – we may receive payment for sales for this event.

Entertainment

Raoul Moat Drama Coming Soon To ITV

Published

6 days ago

March 16, 2023

rebeccarosecook

It looks set to be one of ITV’s biggest dramas this year and The Hunt for Raoul Moat is being brought to screen by the same people responsible for smash hit shows Line of Duty, Bodyguard and Vigil.

It was confirmed last April that production on the series had commenced, nearly 12 years after Moat gunman shot ex girlfriend Samantha Stobbart and her new boyfriend Christopher Brown, with Brown dying from his injuries. After fleeing Samantha’s home in Birtley, Moat, who had been released from prison just days earlier, went on the run, shooting on duty policeman PC David Rathband in the face as he sat in a patrol car on the outskirts of Newcastle and leaving him blind.

From there, Moat headed for Northumberland, forcing the quiet village of Rothbury into a lockdown as police launched a frantic search for him. The hunt for Moat reached its conclusion with a tense stand-off between the killer and the police on a riverbank, with Moat eventually shooting himself and dying from his injuries as he was rushed to Newcastle General Hospital.

ITV announced three parter The Hunt for Raoul Moat almost a year ago, as filming got underway in Yorkshire, with a cast including ex Bodyguard star Matt Stokoe as Moat and Inspector George Gently actor Lee Ingeleby as police chief Neil Adamson.

ITV have yet to officially announce an release date for The Hunt for Raoul Moat, but is expected to be form part of the channel’s spring programming.

News

Jason Miller’s Story with Stage 4 Cancer – How positivity is key in every cancer journey

Published

1 week ago

March 15, 2023

olineofferscouk

Jason Miller’s story on staying positive

Although thinking and acting positively might help you cope with cancer, it’s normal and sometimes unavoidable to feel angry and scared.

Positive thinking is frequently urged on those battling with cancer. But, it is not always simple. It might be terrifying to deal with cancer and its treatment. All effected can experience low moods and worry about the future especially how your loved ones will cope.

Being upset and scared can be a sign of courage and can show that you are ready to face an uncertain future. Nonetheless, there are occasions when it can be beneficial to make an effort to replace negative thoughts with more uplifting ones.

We sat down with Jason Miller who takes us through his journey after discovering he had an aggressive stage 4 tumor. We learn how not only the diagnosis was a sign for him to put affairs in order for his family but also how he ended up surviving through his positive outlook!