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