An organisation that supports young people with mental health issues in Epping Forest was among those to receive a grant at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Around 180 guests attended this year’s High Sheriffs' Awards, held at Hylands House in Chelmsford, with support from Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council.

Grants totalling £40,500 were given out from the High Sheriffs’ Fund to 18 voluntary organisations that address crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour. The fund is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

Among the Award recipients was Waltham Abbey Youth 2000, which received £2,000 to support its counselling service for young people with mental health issues.

Simon Brice, the 841st of High Sheriff of Essex, has visited voluntary organisations around the county during his year of office.

He said: “Over the last 12 months I have met with over 100 voluntary and community organisations across the county.

“It has been a privilege to learn about the wide scope of their work and I hope that I have helped to raise their profile and recognise their dedication and commitment to improve the lives of local people and make Essex a safer place.”

He added: “It is wonderful that so many people from across the county were able to come together to celebrate the achievements of our amazing voluntary and community groups in Essex. This is nothing less than they thoroughly deserve”.

Since the High Sheriffs’ Fund came under ECF’s management in 1997, it has distributed grants totalling £700,000.

Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF, said: “We are delighted to manage the High Sheriffs’ Fund and work with successive High Sheriffs, to increase the amount of funding available each year to support voluntary organisations that contribute to community safety in Essex.”

On top of the £40,500 being presented from the High Sheriff’s Fund, ECF will award an additional £132,000 in grants from other funds under its management.

The High Sheriffs’ Award Scheme recognises community initiatives which address crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour. The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political royal appointment for a single year. The High Sheriff receives no expenses and the role comes at no cost to the public purse.