Good Neighbour

Everton's Ann Hickman helps several immobile elderly neighbours in her community. When they need something, be it some help shopping or just a chat she is the one they turn to.

"I'm privileged that people feel that they can come to me."

 

A friend on hand

Ann gives daily support to one elderly woman and calls every evening to make sure she gets to bed.

"I happened to know the lady and her family before they moved away. She would ring me up if she had a problem. That's how it all started."

Ann can end up being on call 24 hours a day, responding to emergencies, taking her to medical appointments and helping with her shopping.

Ann has been named Good Neighbour at the Reach Out Awards 2008.

"Her actions allow those who would otherwise be housebound be active members of the community, for which they are incredibly grateful."

 

Good neighbours

Ann believes that everyone should find time to be a good neighbour.

"I think people are not sure how to offer help.

"There are a lot of lonely people out there. Just a friendly knock on the door would make a lot of difference to them."

more on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/content/articles/2008/09/29/ann_hickman_good_neighbour_reach_out_feature.shtml

 

Resolving neighbour disputes
Housing and local services: https://www.gov.uk/how-to-resolve-neighbour-disputes/overview

12 Ways to Improve Your Neighborhood Right Now!
http://raleigh.thebeehive.org/housing/raleigh-neighborhoods/12-ways-improve-your-neighborhood-right-now

Get to know your neighbours better

Getting to know the people who live nearby helps create a sense of belonging and shared identity in our local area. It also helps to strengthen connections and trust in our wider communities and contributes to a happier neighbourhood for everyone.


Why
 

Our lives are often so busy we don't get to connect with the people who live close to us. This is especially true in big cities, where everyone comes and goes at different times and new neighbours move in and out.
Yet research by the Young Foundation [1] and others has found that that wellbeing is higher amongst people who have regular contact with their neighbours and that knowing people in our local area, even if it is just to say hello can have a big impact how secure and happy we feel about where we live.


Where to start

Sometimes it's obvious what we can do and other times it's not. We don't have to make big gestures - small things can make a difference too. It might take a bit of confidence but it gets easier. Here are some ideas of ways to connect:

• If you regularly pass someone in your street start by smiling and saying hello. Find an opportunity to introduce yourself. Tell them a little about you and what you enjoy about the area - then ask them what they like too. You could even invite them over for a drink or chat.
• If someone new moves in close by then make them feel welcome. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself and offer to help with any questions about the local area. For example you could offer advice on when bins are collected, where the bus leaves from, local facilities etc.
• If you're new to an area, be sure to go round and introduce yourself to your neighbours. Tell them what brought you to the area and find out a bit about them and their lives.
• Look out for ways you can help your neighbours and don't be afraid to ask if you need support too. Giving support and receiving it from others improves our happiness and well-being
• Look for community group, residents association, volunteer opportunity, exercise/activity class, book group etc.

article from http://www.actionforhappiness.org/take-action/get-to-know-your-neighbours-better

Neighbourhood Services
Safer Neighbourhoods policing team and (ASBU) anti social behaviour unit
more on: http://www.bexley.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=289

March 8th is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women’s past, present and future. It is a day that offers the opportunity for all to acknowledge all of women’s accomplishments and to re-dedicate ourselves to the empowerment of all women and girls around the world.
When: Friday 8 March 6:30pm to 7:10pm
Nearest stations: Southwark & Waterloo
more on: http://wkuplondon.org/

Everybody Active Women's Week
Friday 8th March 2013 welcomes International Women's Day.
http://www.enfield.gov.uk/info/200050/sports_and_leisure_activities/1817/whats_new

Borrow a cup of sugar from UK’s best neighbours

A couple from West Dulwich have been crowned Britain’s best neighbours. Mr and Mrs Glynn, aged 30 and 36, were nominated by a resident who said they showed London’s reputation as an unfriendly city was undeserved.

Nominees were rated against a 12-point blueprint for the perfect neighbour. It included attributes such as inviting other residents for meals, looking after pets, returning balls that go over the fence within nine minutes, and giving back a borrowed item within 16 days.
The Glynns “exceeded every element” and won the first best neighbours in Britain green plaque plus £1,000.
Mrs Glynn said: “We don’t feel we go over and above the call of duty. We enjoy socialising with friends, and think it’s as important for neighbours to be part of this circle.”
Rebecca Williams, who nominated the couple, said: “Kirsty and Dan treat me like family, I get invited for birthdays and for tea if I’m on my own. They prove that you can have great neighbours in a city as large as London.”

article (London evening standard) http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/borrow-a-cup-of-sugar-from-uks-best-neighbours-8130139.html

Parking Disputes Between Neighbours
Many conflicts between neighbours arise as the result of disputes over parked cars. Of course, if you have a separate driveway then there isn’t a problem, but issues do arise when people park their cars on the road upon which they live.
The Highway Code tells you all the rules and regulations surrounding what you can and cannot do when it comes to parking. Drivers should all be aware that you cannot park on double yellow lines but there are other rules you might not be aware of so you should familiarise yourself with what is and isn’t permissible by law, before taking any further action.

The Big Issue – Parking Directly In Front Of A Person’s Driveway

This is, by far, the single most frequent cause of annoyance and arguments between neighbours and, unfortunately, the law does not help in this regard. It's common courtesy not to park directly in front of the driveway of another person’s property. After all, they may need to get in or out of the driveway with their vehicle. If you’ve blocked the access by parking directly in front of it, this will cause the vast majority, if not everybody, to become annoyed and to try to locate the owner of the vehicle to get them to move it. Therefore, most neighbourly people will never park directly in front of someone’s driveway. However, it's not illegal to do so!

The Highway Code, paragraph 207, asks that people DO NOT park their vehicle where it might cause an obstruction to other pedestrians or road users, and cites the example of not parking in front of another person’s driveway. However, this is where the law gets ‘cloudy’. It does not legally state that a person MUST NOT park in front of another driveway.
Therefore, while mutual respect between road users tends to dictate a policy of not doing this so as to avoid unnecessary conflict, it’s not backed up by law, so if you experience problems with this and your neighbour digs their heels in and refuses to co-operate, all you can do, if you need guaranteed access and exit, is to park your car elsewhere and not on your driveway.
In essence, while there are certain rules and regulations under the Highway Code relating to parking on public highways, mostly it’s a matter of common decency and courtesy. Speaking calmly to neighbours and explaining reasons why you might need to park here or there, if practical, will usually result in you getting what you want. Just remember, however, that unless they are breaking the law, people are entitled to park anywhere they want to on a public highway providing they aren’t in breach of the Highway Code. If they are, then you can report that matter to the police if further action needs to be taken.
http://www.problemneighbours.co.uk/parking-disputes.html

Building works - developing relationships with the neighbours
Contract and law (extracted from nbs):https://www.thenbs.com/topics/contractsLaw/articles/buildingWorks.asp

Neighbours on night patrol aim to reclaim streets from muggers Residents have launched their own crime-fighting night patrols after a string of violent muggings and a carjacking in their south London neighbourhood.

Up to a dozen neighbours in Bonnington Square, Vauxhall, have patrolled the area with lanterns and created a telephone helpline which lone women can call to be escorted safely home.
Organised by resident Marie Johnson, they decided to "reclaim the streets" after reading in the Standard about patrols to beat the so-called Pimlico prowlers, street robbers who prey on women.
Latest police figures show a rise in muggings in all but two London boroughs, while burglary rates are also rising across most of the capital.
Bonnington Square has a higher crime rate than the London average.
Police and a local councillor joined the neighbours' patrol last week and helped them to install a new security light. Charlie Boxer, proprietor of the local Italo delicatessen, said: "There's a real display of willingness to stand up to the muggers through people power.

Article (London evening standard) http://www.standard.co.uk/news/neighbours-on-night-patrol-aim-to-reclaim-streets-from-muggers-6380245.html

London is home to the noisiest neighbours
01 July 2009

London is the noisiest city in Britain, new figures show.

Seven of the capital's councils make the top 10 in the country for the most noise complaints from residents in the past 12 months.
The data, released under the Freedom of Information Act, also shows that Londoners face a "postcode lottery" in terms of how councils react to noise pollution.
London councils together received more than a quarter of all the complaints about noise, at nearly 80,000, according to the figures.
Environmental health officers in London served more than a quarter of all noise abatement notices last year, more than 2,000.
But how frequently those notices were used to deal with complaints varied widely across boroughs, as did the extent to which council officials were prepared to confiscate equipment and issue Asbos.
Westminster received the most noise complaints per 1,000 residents, at 42.32. It issued 344 notices to deal with the 9,814 complaints, confiscated five sound systems, sets of speakers or TVs and issued one Asbo.
In contrast, Hammersmith & Fulham, which registered just 924 noise complaints - 5.39 per 1,000 residents - still served 182 notices, made five confiscations and issued three Asbos.
After Westminster, the next "noisiest" boroughs were Haringey and Tower Hamlets.
The "quietest" were Bexley - with 3.24 complaints per 1,000 residents - Richmond and Havering.
article (London evening standard) http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london-is-home-to-the-noisiest-neighbours-6756929.html

Neighbours at war over bins
 article (daily mail) )http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265059/Clash-trash-Neighbours-war-bins-bags-road-saying-word.html

Neighbour's high hedges
A high hedge is any two evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs growing next to each other which are taller than two meters.
more on: https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/12598/Neighbours-high-hedges

Coping with Difficult Neighbours

No one wants a nuisance neighbour, few tips on what you can do.

Diary . . . .

At the first sign of any trouble from your neighbour or members or the local community, no matter how petty it might seem, always start a diary of all incidents, times and dates - make this as detailed as you can. This is vital if matters get worse and will give you some proof of events.

Talk to them..

Try and approach your Neighbour for a 'friendly chat' about the problem. Try hard to keep it light hearted and friendly. It may be that there is a situation you are unaware of and this could clear the air between you. Remember, that sometimes people aren't aware of any distress or disturbance they may be causing you. If you can't or don't want to approach your neighbour in person, try writing to them and outlining your concerns instead.


Recording..

Keep all records - noise sheets, letters - everything that is related together, in a file. Make sure you keep copies of all letters you send (sign the copy too!) and log details of any phone calls you make to whoever (get their name and contact tel. number) about the matter. If possible ask for these people to confirm in writing the basis of your phone call with them. Make sure you always keep your diary up to date.


This article last revised: November 2002
http://www.nfh.org.uk/resources/Articles/hints/index.php

 

 

 

Community events -for March http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/news__events/news/march_2013/somali_heritage_festival.aspx?lang=en-gb

Celebrating the achievements of women
Cultural event celebrating women’s achievements and introducing them to opportunities for further education and learning at Tredegar Community Centre.
 http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/news__events/news/march_2013/international_womens_week.aspx?lang=en-gb

New playgroup in Queen’s Park- Community Mums.
Are you pregnant or have a baby or child under 4?
If so… a community mums meeting on Wednesdays (13th March, 20th March and 27th March)
At St Judes Hall, 67 Ilbert Street, W10 4QL
Time: 10:30-12pm
 http://www.queensparkforum.org/

Residents encouraged to check their neighbours during the cold spell 

Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults has called on residents to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the current cold snap.

Councillor Sachin Rajput said: “With the cold weather set to continue over the weekend and into next week I hope everyone will consider taking the time to call on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
“It could just be a quick visit to check they are stocked up on the essentials, that they are keeping warm and safe indoors and perhaps offering to clear their path of any snow or ice.
“The council is keeping in touch with the residents who we have regular contact with and our service providers will also be checking that the residents they are in contact with are okay.”
Barnet council at:http://www.barnet.gov.uk/news/article/219/residents_encouraged_to_check_on_neighbours_during_the_cold_spell

How Well Do You Know the Neighbours?
Your best chance of catching a burglar is to befriend the people next door, says a new report.
article (evening standard)http://evening-standard.vlex.co.uk/vid/well-know-neighbours-talking-point-61881916
Talk to your neighbours at www.neighbourblog.com

The Big London Energy Switch

The Big London Energy Switch is a scheme which is bringing together Londoners who want to lower their gas and electricity bills.

Energy bills are likely to continue to rise significantly over the coming years, putting many more thousands of people across London into fuel poverty.

There are already more than an estimated 325,000 households living in fuel poverty in the participating boroughs.
Londoners  would benefit most from switching to a lower energy tariff, by collectively negotiating on their behalf a better deal from the gas and electricity companies.

Brent residents have until 31 March 2013 to register.

After this date, a 'reverse-auction' will be held with energy suppliers, who can bid to provide energy to households that have signed up.

There is no obligation to sign up to a new provider.
The more people who join the better. Similar schemes have achieved savings of up to £200 a year on energy bills per household.

Brent council at http://www.brent.gov.uk/council-news/february-2013/want-to-save-money-on-your-gas-and-electricity-bills/

Battle of the Boroughs 2013 - The runs will kick off at 9.30am and will take you around Greenwich Park : http://www.thefixevents.com/content/battle-of-the-boroughs-2013/

How to be a Good Neighbour
http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Neighbour
See more issues and topics in your community area.

Residents encouraged to check on neighbours during the cold spell
Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults has called on residents to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the current cold snap.

See more: http://www.barnet.gov.uk/news/article/219/residents_encouraged_to_check_on_neighbours_during_the_cold_spell

Be aware! Warn your neighbours, friends and family

A particular type of fraud targeting elderly people is on the increase across London. Our aim is to raise awareness and provide some key crime prevention messages to the elderly and their circle of support - friends, family, neighbours etc.

By raising awareness we will decrease the likelihood of people falling victim.The average age of the victim is 70 years old. The average loss is £4,000.

The Method
1) The method varies but essentially involves a victim being telephoned (cold -called) by a suspect who alleges to be someone of authority (eg, from the police, bank, Serious Fraud Office). The suspect tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account (like it has been compromised) and that their bank card must be collected.

2) If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are instructed to hang up and call a genuine number – such as 999 or the telephone number on the rear of their bank card. However, the suspect keeps the telephone line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then deals with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity.

3) The victim is then content to reveal their bank details, namely the PIN.

4) An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect the victim’s card. The card is delivered to a second suspect, who then passes it on to the fraudster. The fraudster then empties the bank account.

Key Messages
Primary: (To potential victims, family, friends) Never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them.

Secondary/supporting message(s): (To cabbies/couriers) Beware of collecting and delivering packages from elderly people as you may be assisting in a criminal offence.

Reporting offences: If you have been a victim call the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999. (Generally victims are elderly/vulnerable and therefore it is NOT appropriate to report this matter to Action Fraud).

A courier fraud awareness day is being held on Wednesday 20th March.

If you are part of a neighbourhood watch group please consider meeting on 20th March (or any time that week) in order to focus on this issue and give out the above messages.

warning from Metropolitan Police ttp://www.met.police.uk/cgi-bin/htsearch?words=courier+fraud+awareness+day&config=metpolice&restrict&Search+this+site.x=7&Search+this+site.y=4

 Talk more about this at neighbourblog.com