Who are Neighbourhood Watch?
Neighbourhood Watch is a nationwide grassroots charitable movement. It is the largest voluntary crime prevention movement in England and Wales and has upwards of 2.3 million members. Groups are run by volunteers across England and Wales supported by volunteer Associations, and by Neighbourhood Watch Network, the national umbrella organisation for the movement. They have a website, available to both members and non-members, with lots of useful information: www.ourwatch.org.uk
Why are there two different organisations?
The main reason Neighbourhood Watch and Homewatch both exist is historical. They started at a similar time and their aims are the same. However, Neighbourhood Watch embraced digital technology and evolved into a national organisation with permanent employees and charitable status. Homewatch remained as local associations providing personalised support to local schemes on a voluntary basis.
What is the relationship between Southport Homewatch Association and Neighbourhood Watch?
Southport Homewatch Association is part of the Neighbourhood Watch Merseyside Regional Association. As such, we work closely with the Chair of the region and we ensure our practices do not conflict with the underlying principles. However, we are free to follow those principles in a way which is most suitable for our circumstances. Our relationship with the Merseyside Police team at Headquarters (Citizens In Policing) is via the Merseyside Regional Association.
What differences are there between the organisations?
Should I be a member of both organisations?
You can be a member of both organisations and you can have your scheme registered with both organisations. However, it isn’t compulsory to join Neighbourhood Watch. NW have produced this document outlining reasons to join.
The table below will help you decide if it is suitable for you…
There is a lot more information about running a Neighbourhood Watch group on their website: www.ourwatch.org.uk/support/support-schemes-and-groups