Running any of these events will help build more inclusive networks in your local community. We’ve graded each event to show:
- the level of difficulty (easy/medium/hard)
- the potential cost (£0 - £££)
- whether it is a face-to-face event or online event, or could be either
Involve local underrepresented communities
(medium / £ / either)
Some people are less represented in Neighbourhood Watch than others. We need to adapt and involve all members of the community. Look at your community and see who has not yet been reached. Think about why. A great way of connecting with your community is to host a street party, or organise a litter pick. If that doesn't work, how about asking how we can help? Find out their concerns and see how you can offer solutions and support.
Host a talk on hate crime
(medium / ££ / in-person)
Often the least talked-about topic is hate crime in our communities. Yet many people experience it. Organising a talk on hate crime is a constructive way to:
- raise the profile of this crime
- remove the stigma around reporting it
Find a local charity willing to talk about various groups affected by hate crime. It could be:
- a local disability charity
- an LGBTQ+ charity
- AgeUK
- a women's rights organisation
- a religious group
- an organisation supporting a particular ethnic group
Hold your talk in a central location. Make sure you publicise the event. You could ask the local supermarket to sponsor refreshments.
Network with other Coordinators
(easy / £0 / online)
The Knowledge Hub is an online platform funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. It provides induction, support, training, forums, and other resources for active Neighbourhood Watch volunteers. The forum is the perfect way to network with Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators across England and Wales.
If you are a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, you can sign up at ourwatch.org.uk/knowledge-hub.
“The Knowledge Hub is an excellent source of information and support, empowering those involved in Neighbourhood Watch to maximise its potential.” Coordinator, Avon and Somerset
“Really good, it’s simple, easy to navigate and well laid out. For an engaged Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer this is perfect - freeing up the general website.” Coordinator, Norfolk
“It's clear and easy to navigate. Lots of potential help not just from the support teams but from other Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers. Looking forward to seeing it grow.” Coordinator, Greater Manchester
Up your skills with free training for Coordinators
(easy / £0 / online)
As a Neighbourhood Watch volunteer, you can get free training through the Neighbourhood Watch Knowledge Hub. This can help you develop the skills you need, including coordinator skills, hate crime awareness, or even bystander training.
Find out how to apply on our Knowledge Hub, under the Personal Development section.
Make a Race Equality promise
(easy / £0 / online)
Neighbourhood Watch Network's Chair, Ian Bretman, made his Big Promise
We are committed to ensuring more people have the information and support necessary to keep themselves and their communities safe from crime. We are also committed to removing barriers to inclusion. In February 2022, our Chair, Ian Bretman, and our CEO, John Hayward-Cripps, made a public promise to engage more with people from minority ethnic communities and organisations. In the same month we shared our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Statement. This set out our intention to become a more inclusive, diverse network.
Visit the Race Equality Matters website to learn more about race equality and make your Big Promise This is a commitment to create positive change and inspire others as well. Share your promises on social media using hashtag #ActionNotJustWords.
Share THE LOOKOUT magazine with University students
(easy / £0 / online)
THE LOOKOUT termly magazine is full of incredible stories written by students for students. It features:
- stories of students across the country, doing amazing things to bring their campus and local community together
- advice on safety and wellbeing
- information on how to get involved with local volunteering opportunities
Why not spread the word and share The Lookout with students in your home and community?
Did you know…? We have dedicated student safety pages on our website.
Sign a White Ribbon promise to reduce violence against women and girls
(easy / £0 / online)
Neighbourhood Watch Network's CEO, John Hayward-Cripps, promises to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
White Ribbon Day is an annual campaign led by the charity White Ribbon UK. It’s part of a global movement to end male violence against women.
Come together in your communities, organisations and workplaces, to say ‘no’ to violence against women. Make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. Visit White Ribbon UK to find out more or make your promise.
Did you know…? Neighbourhood Watch’s CEO John Hayward-Cripps made his promise online along with over 38,000 other people. #WhiteRibbon #AllMenCan #MakeThePromise
Have a coffee with a copper
(medium / £0 / in-person)
Local Safer Neighbourhood or local policing teams regularly meet with residents to hear about their concerns. They often do this as street meetings. But having a coffee with a copper is a great relaxed way of connecting and having regular contact. Ask your local cafe to host a contact event where residents can have an informal chat with their local bobby.
People who’ve done this have said it was a very positive experience.
Reach out to your local places of worship
(medium / £0 / in-person)
Your local place of worship may be a synagogue, a mosque, or a church, or may belong to another religion. Reaching out to see if they wish to connect with Neighbourhood Watch can be a good way to connect and offer support to the wider community. The leader of the place of worship can act as a contact point to receive information from Neighbourhood Watch and share advice and concerns.
Become a Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer
(easy / £0 / either)
There are many ways to volunteer with Neighbourhood Watch. You can give as much or as little time as you wish, though some roles require more time. You could:
- engage with one of our projects by becoming a Cyberhood Watch Ambassador or a Community Champion
- organise a one-off event, like litter-picking, to support your community
- start a new Neighbourhood Watch group, or support an existing one by becoming a Coordinator (this could be a Facebook group)
- volunteer in office roles such as social media volunteer, press volunteer or editor
- get involved with your Regional or Borough Association by taking on a role with them such as a Multi-Scheme Administrator
If you are a young person and want to get involved, have a look at our Young People page.