Nearly 35 years ago, Neil Smith, a dedicated police officer on the beat in Burnley, found himself arresting a troubled 15-year-old named Peter Yarwood. Peter was addicted to heroin and was what many would describe as a teenage delinquent, caught in the throes of youthful rebellion and poor choices, while Neil was the firm hand of the law tasked with bringing him to justice. That first encounter was anything but friendly; it was a moment of consequence and confrontation. But life has a way of weaving unexpected stories, and what began as an adversarial relationship would evolve into something much deeper. Over the years, Neil’s path led him to become the chair of the Board for Red Rose Recovery, a charity focused on helping individuals like Peter turn their lives around. Through this work, Neil and Peter reconnected, this time not as officer and offender, but as friends and sparring partners in the truest sense of the word. Neil became a mentor to Peter, guiding him with the same determination he once used to arrest him, but now in a battle for redemption and positive change.
Their unlikely partnership flourished, culminating in a remarkable moment of recognition years later. Both Neil and Peter were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Her Majesty the Queen after Red Rose Recovery won the prestigious Queen’s Award for services to the voluntary community. It was a surreal experience—a former Police Divisional Commander and a reformed ex-offender, now standing shoulder to shoulder as champions of recovery, rehabilitation and redemption. Their journey is a testament to the power of transformation and the impact of unlikely alliances. Together, they have become a force for good, showing that even the most unexpected relationships can lead to extraordinary outcomes. However, all things eventually must come to an end and after 11 years on the Board of Trustee’s, Neil has decided to step down from the Board and provide an opportunity for fresh eyes and experience to take up the role in his place….
…And we are delighted to say that those fresh eyes and experience just so happen to be our once very own volunteer and employee, Kaitlyn Galbriath. Kaitlyn, now an Assistant Psychologist at Lancaster and South Cumbria Foundation Trust brings extensive skills and experience to the organization’s Board. Her deep understanding of the recovery community, combined with her expertise in mental health and community engagement, will help guide the board’s efforts to expand their impact and create more inclusive communities.
Neil’s parting message:
“After much careful thought I have decided to stand down as a Red Rose Recovery board trustee.
It has been a pleasure to support the charity as Chair, and as a Trustee over the past several years. Red Rose has grown significantly and contributes to the growing recovery agenda across Lancashire and beyond.
The organisation is in great shape and a leading light in Lancashire’s voluntary sector. I will always keep a close watching eye on RRR as it continues to thrive”.
Red Rose Recovery thanks you for your many years of service Neil and wish you all the best!
