A prison officer has been given royal commendation for supporting colleagues and inmates, particularly after being hospitalised following a serious assault herself.
Chelsea Fulcher, a senior officer at HMP Peterborough, attended The Butler Trust’s annual awards presented by The Princess Royal Princess Anne at Holyrood House in Scotland recently.
Chelsea, who lives in South Holland, was nominated by colleagues due to her work promoting staff wellbeing and health sessions for inmates.
And staff at the prison praised her ‘extraordinary resolve’ as she continues to carry out her duties despite an attack at work that left her with ‘significant injuries’.
HMP director Ralph Lubkowski said: “Chelsea is relentlessly committed to supporting colleagues and improving life for all those at HMP Peterborough.
“However, I think it is particularly noteworthy that Chelsea has turned her own personal trauma to such an extraordinarily positive purpose, enabling her to connect with staff and create real change.
“She is an inspirational role model, hugely energetic and passionate, and all from a position where many would understandably not have recovered.
“I am proud to be her director and she is the most worthy nominee for this award.”
“Chelsea has demonstrated outstanding commitment to staff wellbeing through her leadership in Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) and her tireless work promoting physical and mental health,” the nomination by HMP Peterborough colleagues states. “Her dedication, resilience, and determination to support others – particularly following her own traumatic experience – make her an exceptional figure within the service.
“Chelsea has supported colleagues following a wide range of distressing incidents, including serious self-harm and other traumatic events.
“Her empathetic and approachable manner has encouraged individuals to talk about their experiences and seek help – often breaking through the stigma that can prevent people from opening up.
“She has been instrumental in fostering a culture of peer support and emotional resilience among staff.
“Her commitment was tested to the limit when she herself became the victim of a serious assault while responding to a wing alarm.
“The attack left her with significant injuries requiring hospitalisation and a long period of recovery. During her absence, TRiM activity at the prison stalled.
“However, upon her return, Chelsea showed extraordinary resolve and compassion – not only returning to duty but taking the lead in revitalising the initiative.”
Chelsea was also praised for the initiatives she brought to the prison and for her work in health and fitness for both staff and prisoners.
“She regularly gives her own time to run sessions, organise challenges, and promote inclusive events that make fitness feel accessible to all,” the nomination states. “Chelsea’s approach is one of compassion, consistency, and quiet leadership.
“She does not seek recognition but is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
“Her impact can be seen not only in the resilience and wellbeing of individual staff members but in the cultural shift she has helped to bring about within the establishment.
“Through her actions, Chelsea exemplifies the values of courage, care, and community. Her leadership in trauma support and her relentless promotion of staff wellbeing make her an inspiring role model and an outstanding candidate for recognition.”
Another former prison officer and South Holland district councillor Mark Le Sage was also in attendance.
Mark is a representative of the Butler Trust and has set up The Big Screw Brew to bring current and former prison officers together to talk about their experiences.
“I was very proud to be invited and it was an honour to hear the inspiring stories,” he said.
