Shamza Butt talks Policing & being Honoured by the King

At just 20 years old, Shamza Butt stands out as the youngest recipient in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024.

Seven years ago, Shamza arrived in the UK from Italy, unable to speak any English and struggling to find her footing in Bradford.

Her journey began with joining a National Citizen Service (NCS) project to make friends and she has since blossomed into a dedicated volunteer and serving police officer.

Shamza’s extensive voluntary work includes contributions to the NCS Youth Voice Forum, the Peer Action Collective and various community projects aimed at combatting youth crime.

Recognised for her inspiring efforts, Shamza Butt was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM), an honour she described as a surreal and proud moment for herself and her family.

In an exclusive interview with DESIblitz, Shamza Butt delves into her arrival to the UK, volunteer roles, becoming a police officer and receiving a BEM.

How did you overcome the language barrier when you arrived in the UK?

Yes, seven years ago, I moved to the UK with little to no knowledge of English.

Adjusting to the new environment was challenging, particularly because the Yorkshire accent in Bradford was difficult to understand and mimic.

This accent created a significant barrier in my efforts to learn the language.

Nevertheless, I remained determined and gradually improved my ability to speak and comprehend English.

Unfortunately, my Italian accent often made me a target for bullying, which added to the difficulty of my experience.

Despite these obstacles, I persisted and slowly became more proficient in English.

What inspired you to join the NCS project and how did it impact you?

As I approached Year 11, representatives from the Bradford City Football Foundation’s NCS programme visited our school to discuss the benefits and skills we could gain by signing up.

I immediately recognised the opportunity as a no-brainer, eager to expand my social circle and meet other students finishing school and do something new and exciting.

Participating in the NCS programme had a profoundly positive impact on my life.

It allowed me to develop valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership and communication.

I built lasting friendships and gained confidence in interacting with diverse groups of people.

These experiences not only enhanced my personal growth but also prepared me for future challenges, enriching my overall life experience.

Describe some of your volunteer roles and what motivated you

I have undertaken numerous volunteer roles in my community in Bradford.

One significant involvement has been with the NCS programme, where I contributed extensively.

Through the Peer Action Collective (PAC), I researched young people’s perceptions of Bradford and implemented social actions to create safer communities, raising awareness for year 6 children on topics such as weapons awareness, ASB and healthy relationships.

Additionally, I volunteered with the Police Youth IAG, providing insights into local issues and advocating for changes that young people want to see.

Being on the youth board for #iWill allowed me to engage with the broader picture of youth involvement.

“Each of these roles has been incredibly fulfilling and has motivated me to continue making a difference.”

They instilled in me a sense of pride and purpose, showing me the profound impact of community engagement.

My list of volunteer activities is extensive and I feel blessed and proud to have been part of so many meaningful initiatives.

How did it feel to be recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours?

My initial reaction was shock; I had to pinch myself to believe I was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

This recognition is incredibly humbling and has filled me with immense pride for all I have achieved.

I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement from my family, my manager at the time at Bradford City Community Football, my friends and other colleagues.

Their belief in me has been a driving force behind my efforts.

Now, I look forward to building on this achievement, embracing new challenges and continuing to work even harder to make a positive impact.

As the youngest recipient of the King’s Birthday Honours 2024, what message do you hope to send to other young people?

As the youngest recipient of the King’s Birthday Honours 2024, my message to other young people is to dream big, never give up and work hard.

Remember, no goal is too ambitious if you are willing to put in the effort and perseverance required.

“Embrace challenges, learn from failures and stay committed to your vision.”

The journey might be tough, but with determination and dedication, you can achieve extraordinary things.

Believe in yourself, stay focused and always strive for excellence.

Tell us more about the Peer Action Collective and its impact on the community

The Peer Action Collective provided me with numerous opportunities, building my confidence from strength to strength.

Through our research, we discovered that while many young people spoke about crime in general, there was a significant awareness of the rise in knife crime, not only in Bradford but across the country.

In response, our PAC team developed a workshop to raise awareness and discuss the consequences of knife crime.

I had the privilege of supporting these workshops in schools, collaborating with the police to educate Year 6 students.

If our efforts prevent even one young person from carrying a knife, I consider it a job well done.

Bradford City is continuing this vital work in schools, now in the second year of these sessions.

The programme has expanded from 23 schools to 36 schools.

These early intervention sessions are crucial in today’s society, playing a key role in shaping a safer future for our communities.

What were some of the challenges you faced when becoming a police officer?

Once I set my mind on becoming a police officer, nothing could deter me.

I encountered numerous challenges and faced difficult moments along the way, but my resolve remained unshaken.

I was determined to push through and achieve my goal.

My involvement with NCS and the Peer Action Collective was instrumental in this journey, helping me to build resilience, bolster my confidence and strengthen my self-belief.

These experiences equipped me with the determination and inner strength needed to overcome any obstacle and to not give up.

How did your participation in the Queen’s funeral and the King’s Coronation shape your view on public service?

These experiences heightened my awareness and significantly shaped my perspective on the importance of public service and volunteering.

They provided invaluable insights into the impact individuals can have through dedicated community involvement.

How do your family feel about your achievements and your contributions to the community?

I hope my parents feel as proud of me as I am of them.

As the eldest child in a South Asian family, I’ve always felt a significant sense of responsibility, particularly as a woman.

Balancing cultural expectations and personal ambitions has shaped my journey profoundly.

I believe my parents are filled with immense joy at all that I have achieved in such a short time.

“Their unwavering support and belief in me have been a constant source of motivation.”

I am deeply thankful for their sacrifices and guidance, which have played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today.

Their nurturing has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a determination to make them proud.

What do you think has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey?

Reflecting honestly on my journey, I realise every step I’ve taken has been immensely rewarding.

Each experience has shaped and moulded me into the person I am today.

While there were challenges and lows along the way, they were necessary to appreciate and reach the highs that now define my path forward.

Every obstacle has been a lesson, teaching me resilience and determination and ultimately leading me to this fulfilling point in my life.

What advice would you give to other young people who are new to the country and struggling to find their place?

The advice I would offer to young people new to the country and finding it challenging to integrate into their new community is to actively participate in local charities.

By getting involved, you not only meet new people but also engage in meaningful social activities that benefit others and learn about your new community and its needs.

Most importantly, never lose sight of your dreams – persevere through the difficulties and keep striving towards your goals.

This approach not only enriches your experience but also contributes positively to your community, fostering a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Never stop doing good!

Shamza Butt’s journey from a non-English speaking teenager to a celebrated volunteer and police officer is a powerful testament to resilience and determination.

Her story highlights the transformative impact of community service and the support of organisations like the National Citizen Service (NCS).

Receiving the British Empire Medal at such a young age underscores Shamza’s remarkable contributions to her community and her unwavering commitment to public service.

As she continues to inspire others with her dedication and achievements, Shamza looks forward to a future filled with opportunities to make a positive difference.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with perseverance, support and a passion for helping others, it is possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve great things.