On Monday 23rd September 2024, we held our annual Crime and Community Conference, this time in the welcoming city of Manchester. We were delighted to welcome attendees from across England, Wales, Scotland, and beyond, as well as expert guest speakers from several organisations across the country.
With the theme of this year’s Conference being ‘Ahead of the curve’, our guest speakers covered topics that looked to the future, including topics such as community cohesion and collective action; policing and the use of a solutions-focused approach; and emerging trends in cybercrime and fraud. Our attendees were given time to hear from members of the Neighbourhood Watch Youth Council on meaningful inclusion, and to share ideas for how active local Neighbourhood Watch groups can do more to include young people in their work, and learn from their experiences. Attendees were also invited to hear from local Neighbourhood Watch groups, sharing successes and stories on the impact of their work in local communities.
It was so wonderful to see volunteers and supporters joining together, meeting other passionate volunteers from opposite corners of the country, and celebrating the positive impact that Neighbourhood Watch has in communities, for individuals, families, and other engaged organisations. Throughout the day, we heard stories from local groups and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring about positive change in their community, and have made firm friendships with fellow volunteers and neighbours – if that isn’t the sign of a successful Neighbourhood Watch, we don’t know what is!
As always, the most highly-anticipated section of the Conference came at the end of a hugely positive day - the Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony! Hosted by SimpliSafe’s Jonathan Wall, who sponsored this year’s Awards, it was a pleasure to present Awards to six truly deserving winners, who have made a real impact in their community, and gone above and beyond for their neighbours.
The winners of this year’s Volunteer Recognition Awards are…
Innovation and Reach: Samantha Pritchard
Crime Prevention: Meir Factor
Community Health and Wellbeing: Lyn Doll
Young Volunteer of the Year: Louis Johnson BEM
Special Recognition Award: Brian Aldred
CST Star Award: Robin Sutton
We received over 300 nominations for this year’s Awards, and extend our congratulations to every single nominee – your hard work is hugely appreciated, and you all deserve to be celebrated.
We would also like to say a huge thank you to our Sponsors, who made this year’s Conference so special: VISAV, SimpliSafe, Patlock, and Normanton Screen Print. Additionally, a huge thank you to those who visited our Conference and provided engaging information (and some goodies!) to our attendees: ERA, Greater Manchester Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, VISAV, SimpliSafe, and NSP.
