A new campaign has been launched as part of the Safer Streets Initiative in Kirkby-in-Ashfield to encourage members of the community to help each other out and to celebrate those doing good deeds.
Called ‘Better Together’, the project is designed to encourage community, community ownership and simply make people feel better.
It is based on the fact that doing a small favour for someone can make a big difference to them. Tasks such as litter picks, bringing a dustbin in, picking something up from the supermarket for someone who struggles to get out, or just taking the time for a quick chat, can make life easier and more enjoyable.
Everyone can get involved and benefit from Better Together, regardless of their age or abilities. Even just taking time out to have a quick chat with a neighbour or with other parents at the school gate can build valuable connections and trust.
Residents are being invited to sign up to the Better Together scheme so they can support their local community. Anyone from Kirkby who is interested in finding out more about the Better Together scheme or wishes to sign up can email for more information.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “The Safer Streets scheme has shown that working as a team can be incredibly effective in delivering local improvements to public safety. The Better Together campaign gives local residents a way to come together as a team and build community spirit and a greater resilience and connection with their neighbours. When it comes to feeling safe where you live, we are Better Together. I would urge anyone in Kirkby to get involved.”
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith, Ashfield District Council, Executive Lead for Community Safety and Crime Reduction, said: “This latest scheme launched by Ashfield District Council will help make residents feel safer and have a greater sense of ownership within their community. It is great to see that a number of residents have already signed up to the scheme, and I would encourage other residents of Kirkby to sign up and become a part of helping their community. This project is a real example of how we can make our streets safer by working side by side with local residents.”
Antonio Taylor, Community Safety Manager for Ashfield District Council, said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic there were numerous examples of residents helping each other and saying how valuable it was for the local community. Once people started returning to work and the pandemic eased, the helping understandably reduced and this scheme aims to revive some of that support and promote the wider wellbeing and resilience of individuals and communities.’’
The Safer Streets scheme has already achieved a number of positive outcomes in Kirkby in Ashfield such as Safe Spaces in shops, Shop Watch radios, youth diversion activity from ‘Switch Up’ all delivered in partnership between the Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire Police.
Posted on Thursday 8th June 2023