COMMUNITY GRANTS FUNDING APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

We are proud that much of Neighbourhood Watch's work locally is delivered by dedicated and passionate volunteers, donating their time, skills and experience to help make their communities safer, more connected and vibrant.  It is also the case that this work can sometimes mean that volunteers can end up out of pocket. 

Our Community Grants Program is a great way to help your neighbourhood feel safer and happier. We assess and offer grants to the best applications that help improve communities.

Fund details

Our focus is to help you kickstart, improve or expand your community work. The Trustees of Neighbourhood Watch Network set aside funds for this scheme, and the the next round opens: on 14 October 2024 and closes on 14 January 2025, so you have plenty of time to get a great application together!

Here's what we're looking for:

• Tackling Trouble: Help clean up your area, plant some flowers, or start a neighborhood watch.
• Building Community: Have a street party or organise an event to meet your local policing team.
• Ending Loneliness: Reach out to folks who might feel alone and invite them to join in the fun.

Before you apply:

• Think it through: Make a plan that helps your community and shows what you'll do.
• Figure out the cost: List everything you need, like supplies or renting a space.

Ready to go?

Visit our website page Community Grants Fund, fill out the form, and follow our tips for the best chance of getting a grant!

CELEBRATING OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS AT OUR CONFERENCE 2024

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE DIGITAL SWITCH-OVER

A unique shift is happening in our digital world, and Neighbourhood Watch is excited to help our community understanding the “Digital Switch-Over.” This transformation is more than just a technological update; it's a significant change impacting how we connect with each other. As the landscape of communications shifts, our goal is to make sure no one is left behind.

So far, we’ve organized an impressive 58 events with the help of 145 dedicated volunteers, who have welcomed nearly 1,400 attendees to learn more about this transition. We’ve provided a space where people can ask questions, express concerns, and receive the support they need.

Read more…

ADDING MEMBERS TO YOUR SCHEME IN MEMBER AREA – Important Update

We wanted to update you on how you can add members to your scheme.  You can do this very easily:

• By asking them to sign up via our website: www.ourwatch.org.uk/join complete the regostration and then select your scheme to joi.  You will receive an email to say they have joined your scheme.
• By inviting them by email using the INVITE SOMEONE TO JOIN MY SCHEME and all you need to do is enter their name and email address. 
• Adding them to the scheme by selecting ADD SOMEONE TO MY SCHEME option on the scheme’s membership page.  Obviously only add someone to the scheme with their permission, but do not forget that to comply with GDPR they only have 30 days to confirm that they would like to be added, or they will be deleted from the database.

A recent purge saw 100’s of scheme members removed because they had not approved that their details could be kept on the system.   When you add someone, you have to tick aa box to confirm that you have told them that they only 30 days to confirm.

TOP TIP:  when adding, if you are using your phone or tablet and you are out and about knocking on doors to get new members, then please get them, if they have access to thir emails on the phone, to confirm whilst you are talking to them.  This will then save you time and effort to chase them to click on the link from the email they will receive.

OUR PROJECT IN DEVON AND CORNALL – By Steph Good

Reflecting on My First Three Months as Community Project Manager: 

It’s hard to believe that three months have passed since I joined the Neighbourhood Watch team. As the new Community Project Manager, for Devon & Cornwall, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible people, learning about the diverse needs of our communities, and have started to shape a strategy to help make where we live, safer and more connected. 

Key Highlights:

Building Relationships- From day one, my priority has been to connect with as many local residents, volunteers, and community partners as possible. These conversations have given me invaluable insights into what people need from their Neighbourhood Watch, and there are already some exciting collaborations underway. 

Community Engagement Events 

 One of the most rewarding parts of the role so far has been organising and attending community events. Whether it’s business partnership meetings, cups of tea with Coordinators, or talking to the public on the streets with the OPCC van, gatherings have brought people together and highlighted how much we all care about improving where we live. 

Identifying Priorities

 Over the past few months, we’ve been working on identifying key areas where we can make the most impact. From tackling anti-social behaviour to promoting street safety, we’ve set some clear priorities for the coming months. The input from volunteers and residents has been invaluable in shaping these goals. 

Looking forward

As we move into the next phase, there’s a lot of work to be done, but with the dedication of our volunteers and the support of the community and it’s leaders, I’m confident we can achieve our goals. 

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me into this role and helped make these first few months so productive. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together as we continue to strengthen and support our communities in Devon and Cornwall 

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S TEAM AT NWN

Exciting times are ahead for Young People's Work at Neighbourhood Watch Network! There are several different projects up and running with a whole host of 16–24-year-olds from across England and Wales, and each one is committed to making their neighbourhoods safer, better places to live.  

The charity's dedicated Youth Council are now kickstarting their Community Action Projects, devising creative initiatives to address the critical crime and safety issues impacting young people today. Topics of focus include anti-social behaviour and early intervention crime prevention. We can't wait to see what they come up with!

Call for volunteers to support upcoming Youth Safety Projects in Reading & Bristol

Want to make a positive impact in your local area? Keen to engage with like-minded young people? 

Neighbourhood Watch Network are seeking 3x volunteers from Reading and 3x volunteers from Bristol to support the delivery of two brand new Youth Safety Projects. Working in collaboration with the University of Reading (Reading) and Communities Prepared - Groundwork South (Bristol), this a unique opportunity to learn new skills, share your community/crime prevention expertise, and make a real change in your own backyard. 

To find out more and how you can get involved, please email Ashley Fontaine, Young People's Programme Manager: ashley.fontaine@ourwatch.org.uk

What's happening in the Young People's Team at NWN

STREET SIGNS ARE ON THEIR WAY…

HELP US BUILD A DATABASE OF THE AMAZING WORK THAT YOU DO