Everybody needs good neighbours

GETTING OUT THERE: Neighbourhood Support Carterton team leader Sue Tennent (left) Hope Sexton and Featherston community board chair Lee Carter promoting the groups in Featherston. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

More and more Featherston residents are getting together to keep an eye out for each other and make their town safer.

New Neighbourhood Support groups are popping up all the time, says co-ordinator Robyn Ramsden, and now almost 50 households are involved.

"I'm setting up a new group every week," she said.

Since a crime-prevention meeting was held in August last year, eight groups have formed in an effort to support their neighbourhoods.

Mrs Ramsden, who went to the meeting, said many people wanted to take action after a spate of burglaries.

"There were lots of people, it was obvious they were upset.

"Nothing came out of police or CYFs, Neighbourhood Support seemed to be the only thing to make a difference at all."

Wanting to help, she signed up to form a group that day and when a co-ordinator was needed, she volunteered.

"I thought if I don't stand up, it won't gain traction."

Mrs Ramsden said people in the groups get to know each other, meet up regularly to discuss issues and look out for each other and their properties.

She said by taking notice, they can stop crime from happening, like she was able to when she saw her neighbour's home being burgled. "Neighbourhood Support encourages people to be more proactive if they see something suspicious."

Mrs Ramsden said it was an extreme example but the groups are vital in emergencies, helping Civil Defence get to those most vulnerable. "I have friends in Christchurch and they got to know their neighbours after the first earthquake, after the second one they knew their neighbours and who would need help. All that networking and connecting has already been done."

She said another example was when Masterton groups helped search for an elderly woman with Alzheimer's who went missing.

"They were able to mobilise all these people to look for her."

Mrs Ramsden said a Neighbourhood Support group also does more than just keep each other safe - people can make new friends.

She said two men found they had a lot in common - their Dutch heritage - when they met through a group.

"I think people are beginning to feel more connected."

Mrs Ramsden said with Neighbours Day this weekend, it was a reminder to get out there and say hello. Renters are part of the neighbourhood too, she added.

"So many people don't say hello to their neighbours. We've got to change these attitudes."