£500,000 invested in neighbourhood watch groups to help fight crime and build communities

The Home Office has pledged £500,000 to support this work with Neighbourhood and Home Watch groups across England and Wales. Marion Lewis, Chair of the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network said: “This money will provide a real boost to the Neighbourhood and Home Watch network.” The Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network will be supported by Capacitybuilders to ensure the growth, development and increased effectiveness of local Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Under representation in local group membership
Currently membership of many local groups is under represented in hard-pressed areas, among the younger generations and in some sectors of the community.

Addressing this challenge
This project, led by a partnership between Capacitybuilders and the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network, will address those challenges.

Reaching out to diverse groups
Lewis noted: “We want Neighbourhood and Home Watch groups to be able to reach out to a diverse range of new members, including young people.

It is important for us to encourage new groups in areas and communities where they do not usually exist, for example in inner city areas.”

Showcasing local achievements

Mark Custerson, Programme Manager for the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Support Programme, said:

“Research will explore the outstanding work of Neighbourhood Watch groups around the country, leading to good practise case studies that can inspire other groups.

We hope to have case studies where groups have influenced local policy, or worked with other third sector organisations and broadened their activities."

Improved resources and tools

"This project will build the sustainability and capacity of the movement with a revamped website and training toolkits. Regional Conferences will be held in January and February next year to ensure the grassroots are the focus of these developments.

You can expect to see a lot more activity from Neighbourhood and Home Watch groups over the next few months.”

Matt Leach, Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders, said:

“Capacitybuilders is delighted with this opportunity to work in partnership with the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network."

Package of support

"Alongside this support package we will be providing advice and support which we hope will enable them to support, communicate with, and fully represent the neighbourhood watch movement.

This work complements our other capacity building activities within the community and voluntary sector.”

The project is already underway and will run until March 2010.

Case studies and other resources developed will be shared via the Neighbourhood Home Watch Network website and Capacitybuilders' Improving Support website.