Our News June 2026

Hello Neighbours,

Welcome to our second June newsletter.

First, I must apologise for accidentally labelling our last newsletter as an April edition. I’m so sorry for any confusion, it was human error. It is very embarrassing, and I’ll do my best to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’d like to think the mistake serves as a reminder that this newsletter is written by a real (and slightly flawed) person, not an AI robot - but I suspect not!

We’re sharing a second newsletter this month because a whopping 75% of responders to our poll said they’d prefer a shorter, more frequent format. Please do let me know what you think.

Highlights

Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week webinars 

ASB Awareness Week 2026 takes place from Monday 29 June to Sunday 5 July across the UK. It highlights the impact of antisocial behaviour.  We are hosting two webinars to provide some practical advice on what to do if you, or your neighbours, are having issues. 

We also have information and resources, including an ASB diary and a downloadable guide, on our website. 

Report, reduce and prevent domestic abuse during the World Cup

Did you know that reports of domestic abuse increase by 38% when England lose a match? Even in the event of a win, there is still a 26% increase. Alcohol Concern Cymru has also pointed to evidence from police which shows a link between major sporting occasions, heavy drinking and a surge in reports of abuse.

Events like the World Cup should bring people together, but this data shows we need to look out for vulnerable families. Crimestoppers is encouraging everyone to call time on abuse, recognise the signs, and report anonymously. Find out more. 

PoliceAI launched

A new national centre, PoliceAI, has been launched to develop and scale artificial intelligence in policing. The centre will work across all forces to identify, test and scale AI tools. Trials have demonstrated its potential, for example, 800 hours of footage in a kidnapping case were reviewed in just 3 hours, helping to secure an early guilty plea. Read the full story on our website. 

Neighbourhood Watch Week – thank you

Thank you to everyone who made Neighbourhood Watch Week such a success.

From volunteer awards in Durham to new member recruitment in Milton Keynes, village green improvements in Pontypridd, and litter picks in Eaglesfield Park - it’s been an inspiring start to the Month of Community. It’s fantastic to see people coming together. Read our round up of the week here. 

What makes a good neighbour?

That’s the question Paula White from BBC Radio explored with Heather Thompson, Chair of Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association. They discussed the importance of trust, especially in an increasingly fragmented society. You can listen here (scroll to 17.50). You can also explore the nominees for the Great Neighbour category in the BBC Make a Difference Awards here.

Support our Community Grants Fund

Great community projects need resources. Our Community Grants Fund helps volunteers access funding for local initiatives that bring neighbours together, support vulnerable residents, and strengthen communities. If you’re able, please consider donating. Your gift will help volunteers turn community spirit into community action. Donate here. 

Neighbourhood Watch Strategy webinar

We’re now six months into the new strategy shaping our work through to 2030. We recently hosted an online event covering national policy changes and our strategic aims: Watch, Connect and Act. If you missed it you can catch up with the recording here. 

As always, there is also an online version of this newsletter on our website here.  Hope you have a great couple of weeks. 

Neighbourly wishes,

Charmian