Guide to Welcoming
New coordinators
- Visiting face to face is best, it helps them feel they are part of something bigger.
- Explain the reality of the role is about people and they should not to get too tied up with online/computer activities because it can be very time consuming and a distraction to face to face interaction with members and others.
- Have a very positive attitude when meeting new coordinator, to encourage them for now/ future. Congratulate them for joining.
- A general chat about why they signed up to get them talking.
- This meeting face to face also helps you decide whether there is any need to carry out a police check on the new coordinator.
- Is there any reason why you think this person would not make a coordinator for neighbourhood watch?
- Advise them it takes a while to establish their scheme (not all neighbours are interested that’s normal, not all show interest at the same time, so carry on regardless)
- Show them how to access and use their on-line Our Watch page for their NW Group.
- Tell them who they can contact for help and advice/ supply website/ relevant social media links, access to our leaflets etc.
- Advise how to acquire street signs/ window stickers/ callers at the door stickers/message slips for non-IT members etc.
- How and who to contact in the NH Police team.
- Encourage them to work towards an active scheme- the three areas of activity are shown in the Members Guide leaflets supplied and subsequently circulated a more detailed guide. Two pages A4. Available on request – Keeping Active.
- Explain that the core activity of neighbourhood watch is being neighbourly, looking out for each other and reporting suspicious activities to the police.
- Anything that comes under ‘safety’ can be regarded as a neighbourhood Watch interest.
- Explain the three how to stay an Active Watch Scheme elements. see 12 above.
- Explain staying active keeps the scheme working properly.
- Putting up street signs and window stickers is best- the concept is that everyone around the sign will report suspicious activity to the police. A guide on street signs is available
- Talk about a balance of life/ personal time vs NW.
- Remind them to make sure they tell the police/ council services etc. that they are NW members when calling/ reporting things.
- They should, in time, be asking neighbours/ members what concerns they have about where they live. e.g., asb, car crime, fly tipping etc. etc. etc. This could help focus the new Watch Group.
- Link them up with any nearby existing Watch schemes.
- Ask them – Any questions?
Useful websites
https://nwpeterborough.org.uk – our local Peterborough website, details of area coordinators, practical tips and advice and more.
Ourwatch.org.co.uk/join – National website- to register and/join the neighbourhood watch- lot of information available
Cambs.Police.uk for reporting crime, advice and help
The area coordinator for the new coordinator is
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Admins for the Peterborough area are:-
Alan Friend