Introduction and Support for Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators Across Merthyr

Hello Resident

I hope you're well.

My name is Michelle Symonds, and I am your MSA (Multi-scheme Adminstrator). I am also the founder and chairperson of Neighbourhood Watch Trelewis & Bedlinog District. I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to the Main Co-ordinators and Deputy Co-ordinators across Merthyr Tydfil and to thank you for the important role you play in supporting your local communities.

Whether you've recently taken on your role or have been involved for many years, your commitment helps bring people together, promotes community safety and makes a real difference to residents.

I appreciate that managing a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can sometimes feel daunting, particularly when it comes to growing membership, communicating with residents and ensuring personal information is handled securely. Fortunately, Neighbourhood Watch provides a range of resources and support to help make this as straightforward as possible.

Below you'll find some useful information on managing your scheme, registering members, keeping data secure, and making the most of the Neighbourhood Watch member platform.

Your Neighbourhood Watch member platform

The great news is that you can manage your own data, preferences, and schemes from a single online platform.  To log in you can click HERE. 

Managing your scheme

We have developed a handy guide on how to use the system, which is attached, however, please do not print it, as it is rather print heavy!

We know that getting your members to join, making sure that their data is safe, is important to both them and you and we are no different.  So, using the platform helps you do this.  For instance, you can do the following with your scheme pages:

Adding a new member to your scheme

When you are canvassing for new members, there are various ways in which you can help get them all signed onto the system.

Managing members data

Helping you to understand your responsibilities when handling other people’s data is important to us.  We are here to guide you and refer to our guide, which can be found HERE.  We have considered the responsibilities that you have and provided you with an easy way to manage your scheme on our platform, thus reducing risk to members data.

Being visible

We know that over 80% of people that go into a visible Neighbourhood Watch area feel safer.  In our online shop we have various items to get you as visible as possible.

·         Road signs

·         Window stickers

·         Wheelie bin stickers

But being visible doesn’t just mean with signage.  It means that you are active and engaged with the community.  We have a range of activities that you may consider doing and we have a guide to help you decide which one may suit your community.  You can find out more HERE.

Don’t forget to link in with your local policing teams and to get support from your Force Area or District Association.  You can find their details HERE.

I would love to strengthen links between schemes across Merthyr Tydfil and help ensure our co-ordinators feel supported, connected, and able to share ideas and good practice.

If you have any questions, would like support with your scheme, or simply want to introduce yourself, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you once again for everything you do for your community.

Kind regards,

Michelle Symonds

MSA, Merthyr / South Wales
Chairperson, Neighbourhood Watch Trelewis & Bedlinog District

You may wish to follow us on social media and we have various platforms for you to join in the conversation:

Facebook:           www.facebook.com/ourwatch

Instagram:          www.instagram.com/neighbourhood.watch.insta/

LinkedIn:             www.linkedin.com/company/neighbourhood-watch