From coast to county lines
Dorset’s newly-appointed High Sheriff has begun her year in office with a powerful mission.
Helena Conibear was formally declared the new High Sheriff of Dorset for 2026-27 on 20 March at Coastland College, following her appointment by His Majesty The King earlier this year.
Her mission is to walk the entire 200-mile county boundary of Dorset to raise awareness of county lines exploitation and support young people across the county.
Although the office of High Sheriff dates back more than 1,000 years, originating in the West Country during the reign of King Ine of Wessex, today the role is a very different one.
Modern High Sheriffs act as independent, non-political supporters of the county’s judiciary, emergency services, law enforcement agencies, local authorities and voluntary organisations.
For Helena, founder of The Talk About Trust drug education charity, this year’s focus will centre firmly on youth opportunity, prevention and community support.
Helena said: “Put simply, the High Sheriff’s duties are to champion all that keeps us safe in Dorset. Dorset ranks as the seventh safest place to live in England largely thanks to the work of those who I am so proud to represent.”
Throughout her year in office, Helena plans to highlight the organisations and charities helping young people build their resilience, confidence and opportunities.
“If we do not invest in our young people then the tragic cycle of violence, crime, disorder, deprivation and substance dependency continues and grows,” she said.
As part of that commitment, Helena will undertake a personal challenge – a symbolic journey designed to raise awareness of county lines exploitation and the grooming of vulnerable children into the drugs trade.
Speaking about the challenge, Helena said: “The greatest horror of the drugs’ trade is the exploitation and grooming of children. In this county we have victims as young as eight who are lured with gifts or friendship, often by peers who are victims themselves, before becoming trapped into delivering or dealing drugs.”
The walk aims to raise £10,000 for the Dorset Shrieval Charitable Trust, which provides grants to grassroots charities across the county supporting vulnerable people and strengthening local communities.
The walk will be completed in five stages, with the final stage following the Somerset and Devon border, ending in Lyme Regis.
Helena is encouraging communities across Dorset to support the challenge in whatever way they can, whether by walking alongside her, offering accommodation during the journey or hosting community events along the route.
Along the way, she will be visiting charities, police and fire stations and coastguard stations.
The High Sheriff of Dorset can be contacted at highsheriffofdorset@gmail.com.
To learn more about the office of High Sheriff visit www.highsheriffs.com.
