Devon-based counsellor Rosemary Pell, has received an Award of Fellowship, from the Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers (AIRSO), for her outstanding work with the Road User Support Service (RUSS).A member of AIRSO, Rosemary has been recognised for her ongoing dedication to RUSS by being invited to become a Fellow of the Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers (FAIRSO).

AIRSO, an individual membership organisation was founded in 1965, it represents those who are in any way connected with the promotion and delivery of road safety education and training, road safety engineering, scientific research into casualty reduction and injury mitigation, and the enforcement of traffic law.

A unique organisation, RUSS offers complete rehabilitation assistance to help people deal with the emotional problems and trauma as a result of a road traffic incident (RTI). RUSS is made up of ADI’s (Approved Driving Instructors), including a motorbike instructor and a team of

fully-qualified therapists who are each members of British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).The specialist teams help anyone involved in, or affected by, a road incident to come to terms with their experience and regain confidence behind the wheel in order to get their life back on track’.

Rosemary Pell said: “I was absolutely delighted and overjoyed to receive this prestigious award.I couldn’t have achieved this, however, without the dedication and hard work from the RUSS teams who are committed to helping people involved in road traffic incidents. Our clients come to us with a range of emotions triggered by their life-changing experience, which can impact on their work, family and daily life. RUSS is able to assist anyone who has an unexpected fear or anxiety about driving or being a passenger. We offer tailor-made programmes providing psychological and practical support with a sensitive approach to improve your driving skills and increase confidence.”

Rosemary set up RUSS in 1998, which receives referrals from professional organisations including the Police, Victim Support, Devon Air Ambulance, solicitors, psychiatrists, psychologists and medical practices.RUSS currently covers the counties of Devon, Somerset, Dorset and the Bristol area.Going forward, the organisation is looking to expand its services to include Cornwall, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

MPC Richard Juniper – Motor Control Constable, Devon & Cornwall Police said: “The recent award and inclusion into the Fellowship of the Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers, presented to Rosemary Pell for her work at RUSS, is a significant acknowledgment of the amazing and vital work undertaken by Rosemary and her Team.She has worked tirelessly in the pursuance of excellence allowing her to support and advise those of us, involved in all aspects of collisions on our roads. Her unwavering dedication is the cornerstone to the recovery of many individuals seeking clarity and a path forward following some of life’s most traumatic events.”

Andrew Harris – Litigation Partner, Veitch Penny LLP Solicitors, who is a Trustee of Devon Advanced Motorcyclists, Road Safety Charity adds: “I was delighted to learn of Rosemary’s FAIRSO award. She networks tirelessly within the road safety arena, with a professional approach, which always impresses. Whether supporting the invaluable ‘Learn2Live’ campaign with young drivers; coordinating RUSS’s help for the RTI traumatised; or within her work as a personal Counsellor, Rosemary’s insight, compassion and commitment to all things ‘Road Safety’ simply inspires.”

www.roadusersupportservice.co.uk