SENIOR Constable Jess Henry and her husband Adam have been recognised for martial arts classes they offer to their emergency services community to teach new skills and improve mental health.
The Henrys have been named finalists in the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards for their work and are among 23 finalists selected from across the state for the 10th annual awards.
The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of people within the Queensland Police, Fire, Health, Ambulance, Corrections, Public Service, Education and volunteers.
The Henrys have been recognised in the Working Together category for starting an Emergency Services Brazilian Jiu-jitsu class which focuses on self-defence, with the added benefit of enhancing wellbeing.
Mrs Henry always wanted to be a police officer and has worked with the Queensland Police for 18 years, while Mr Henry is a former Royal Australian Air Force officer who served for 21 years.
“We’ve always had a passion for giving back and we are particularly passionate about the service community,” Mrs Henry said.
“We wanted to provide practical self defence skills to help keep our serving members safe, but we also wanted to showcase the wonderful community that exists in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
“Mental health challenges are massive in the services, and we wanted to foster camaraderie across the services, facilitate new friendships and provide opportunities.”
She believed they had achieved their goal, and that many emergency service workers had benefited from their program, which was tailored to working on the frontline.
“Our Thursday Emergency Services class is focused on self defence, in particular on situations that police have encountered during their patrols,” she said.
“The focus is providing a fun training environment, utilising the art of the sport to provide practical skills, a great fitness workout and also a sense of community. “To be nominated alongside the other quality contenders is very special indeed.”
The winners will receive $2000 deposited into a QBANK account and $2000 donated to a charity of their choice.
The winners will be announced on October 11.
