Neighbourhood group needs street volunteers

The Southland Times
2 June 2010

by John EDENS

CROMWELL has its first neighbourhood support committee but the fledgling group needs street-level volunteers.

Sergeant Mike Williams, of Cromwell, said the group, which met for the first time last week, was seeking expressions of interest for street co- ordinators.

Co-ordinators would set up a neighbourhood group in their street, to include representatives from 10 to 15 homes, Mr Williams said.

A group would be responsible for liaising with police if there were any concerns about crime.

A street co-ordinator's role was not time-consuming, and management training would be provided, he said.

Cromwell Neighbourhood Support chairwoman Annette Whitmore said the group aimed to help police and provide support for the elderly, the housebound or anyone who felt isolated.

The 10-strong committee needed Cromwell residents to lodge expressions of interest in volunteering, she said.

"We want to be able to know what the needs are of the people in our community."

There are neighbourhood support groups throughout New Zealand, working with police and other organisations to reduce crime and improve safety.

Source: http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/southland-times-the/mi_8058/is_20100602/neighbourhood-group-street-volunteers/ai_n53992069/