2017

2017 has been a very busy year for the small charity, with new projects being launched and partnerships being strengthened, all with the Neighbourhood Network’s aims at the forefront.

In March 2017, the trustees and managers took the decision to rename the charity Neighbourhood Network (Humberside) to reflect the ‘Humberside’ within  the Police’s geographical area, along with work and support given to those falling outside of Hull.  A new charity number was issued and the application was approved on 2^nd March 2017.

The most significant achievement of 2017 was to soft launch the new website in June 2017 – www.nnetwork.org.uk. The website is a real ‘go to’ page for news, advice, contacts and reflects very accurately the work undertaken by the Neighbourhood Network charity. Whilst designing it, we have been mindful of the types of requests for help/advice we receive from our members and partners.

The website also has a ‘Find a group’ feature where partner agencies such as Humberside Police or Hull City Council  can view those groups active and registered within an area and then the NN can facilitate communication between both parties for the greater good of the member group. 

The shop element on the website has allowed the charity to have an online presence to sell basic crime prevention products, either that can be posted out or collected from the office.  

2017 saw the launch of a partnership project with Humberside Police – Cycle theft – target hardening & education initiative. Investment has been made by the police into purchasing Gold Sold Secure cycle locks and the NN are facilitating the sale of the equipment. For victims of cycle crime the charity can offer the lock for a donation of £6.00 and for all other associates of the charity, a donation of £11.50 is required. The money is being re-invested into the charity and will eventually purchase more locks to sustain the project and supply of cycle locks into the region. 120 cycle locks were distributed within the Humberside region during 2017 as part of this project.

2017 saw momentum continue for the Humber Watch Association (HWA) – this is the coming together of the 4 unitary authorities supporting Neighbourhood Watch within the Humberside region. This HWA partnership includes staff from Neighbourhood Network, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Lincolnshire Council and VANEL (Voluntary Action North East Lincs) along with group co-ordinators from each region and Humberside Police support. The group meets bi-monthly to discuss National Neighbourhood Watch, share best practice and resources and to allow networking for member groups. The HWA was formally constituted on 14^th February 2017 and launched at a press call event on 13^th June 2017 at the Country Park Inn Hessle, that included attendance by currant Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter.

In late 2016 the charity was funded £10,000 to fund the production of a film showcasing the ‘inspiring stories’ of its member groups during the Hull City of Culture Year. The majority of the work on this film took place during 2017 and it was launched at the awards event on 24^th October 2017. The film has been received very positively by all and will continue to be promoted by the NN.

The 2017 Awards event took place in the Mortimer Suite at Hull City Hall on Tuesday 24^th October.  The event was attended by approximately 150 guests and the team organised for 16 stands of interest to be present including Trading Standards, OPCC, Hull 2017, Humberside Fire and Rescue. Inspector Gadd from Communities Policing addressed the audience and then later presented an award, along with the Deputy Lord Mayor, The High Sheriff for Hull and East Riding, Brendon Smurthwaite from  Kingston Communications, Colin Havercroft  and Sharon Porter. The winners on the evening are as below:

• Community Group/Association/Watch of the Year – Kingswood Cycle Club
• Engaging with the Young Award – Vulcan Boxing Centre
• Engaging with Older People Award – David Rust
• Community Champion of the Year – Sunaksli Family & Friends
• Neighbourhood Watch Contribution Award – Parklands NHW & Berkley Street NHW
• Above and Beyond Award – Ian and Lynn Warelow from Eternal Benefits & John and Shirley Klein from Oak and Clough Road Allotments

The NN received £400.00 funding from KC and £500.00 from Rank and Esmee Fairburn towards hosting the 2017 annual event.

Late 2017 saw the completion of an evaluation into the Neighbourhood Network and its work. The findings were very positive, however the report did identify opportunities for the charity to explore with regards moving forward and development. This report should provide a positive resource when applying for funding investment into the charity.

Unfortunately 2017 saw the resignation of two if the trustees/directors due to other commitments. This was a huge disappointment for the NN as governance was at the minimum and both Keith and Darren’s contribution will be missed. However, December saw the registration of interest of two new trustees, so hopefully 2018 can start on a positive.

The charity finished 2017 with 429 registered member groups.