Hairdresser, 50s, hung up scissors to become PCSO

As a hairdresser Michelle-Zoe Woodward was used to hearing clients share their problems.

Throughout her life, Woodward said she had always been passionate about working with people, and giving back to the community.

Which is why, three years ago, in her 50s, she decided to hang up her scissors and apply for a very different role.

Now, Woodward is a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in Preston, Lancashire, though she has not completely given up cutting hair.

"I am now a semi-retired hairdresser. I still have my business, but I only work in it one day a week," Woodward said.

Embracing the PCSO role with "warmth and empathy" has now seen her recognised in Lancashire Constabulary's South Division annual awards, winning the 'staff member of the year' category.

Her bosses praised her "important role" in supporting homeless individuals, her regular volunteering at a food bank as well as the practical assistance and reassurance, safeguarding advice she offers to vulnerable people.

They added her "empathy and patience" have led to many successful early interventions and described her as "compassionate, creative, respectful and known for her warm personality" whose "unmistakeable character brings an energy to the role that helps her quickly build rapport with the diverse communities she serves".

Or as Woodward put it: "I've always helped people. I also have always been a foster parent. I rescue animals. So I love human beings and I love animals - the list is endless with me."

She added: "Being a PCSO reminds me of - because I'm a lot older - it reminds me of the village I used to live in where you would have a bobby on the beat in my village in Essex."

Her current "beat" however is no rural retreat but Preston city centre with all the multiple problems of contemporary life from people with drugs and alcohol challenges, the homeless and sex workers.

She aims to be the "visible" and "trusted" face of the police service.

"On a day-to-day basis in my job role, I engage and come across all these lovely humans," she said.

"So I engage with them all the time daily and get to know them and they get to know me."

In her words she is "building bridges between the PCSO and the PCs" adding, "so I'm known as the nice person, I believe - the nice cop."

"Joking aside, obviously, within Preston city centre I'm very passionate about helping.

"If I was in a rural place and that was my ward, my area, maybe I wouldn't come across many homeless people or people who need as much help as what you do in a city centre."

She added: "What I find very heartwarming is when the people that I work within the city centre, when they open up about what has gone on in their lives, past and present, which is very, very personal to them, very private, and they feel that they are able to approach me and give me their life story.

"Where they are that low within themselves, they have even asked me if can they please have a hug because they are crying and they are that upset.

"That breaks my heart.

"One of my many mottos is, even if I wasn't doing the job role that I do, is you treat people in life how you want to be treated yourself and giving somebody some human compassion and not being in a rush about your day and spending time with people.

" I think that is the most valuable and nicest thing you can do to anybody, anybody in life.

"I then help people signpost them from where they need to be, whether it be finding them accommodation, food for the day, the food banks and the list goes on but that isn't just for the homeless, that can be anybody, any member of the public."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.