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Senior Street Warden Eden (right) outside Catford Community Flat |
GOL currently funds 30 warden schemes across 22 London boroughs which received over £3 million funding over the last financial year. Two examples of the excellent work being done on the ground are the Lewisham Street and Neighbourhood Warden schemes.
Deprived neighbourhoods can be demoralising places to live. Not only do many residents face poor living conditions and difficult personal circumstances, but they may fear becoming victim to crime or anti-social behaviour. Local streets and open spaces, scarred with graffiti, litter and abandoned cars, can only underline this bleak outlook.
Neighbourhood and Street Wardens take responsibility for many of these problems. They work to make the streets safer, cleaner places to be and help to build a greater sense of community and better quality of life for residents. Wardens provide a visible, semi-official presence on streets and estates. They work at the grassroots with police and others, such as Sure Start and Neighbourhood Management, to deter crime and tackle anti-social behaviour to create a greater feeling of security and confidence amongst residents.
Lewisham Street Wardens
Working around Catford Town Centre, nine wardens aim to improve the quality of life for the local community and the appearance of the local environment. They have been successful in reducing the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour amongst local residents, businesses and visitors.
Senior Head Warden, Eden, on becoming a warden said:
"Being a warden is a real opportunity to be proactive and give something back to the community."
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Lewisham Neighbourhood Wardens on the Honor Oak housing estate |
Lewisham Neighbourhood Wardens
Based on the Honor Oak housing estate, the scheme has helped transform the area into a thriving community. In addition to their normal duties the team of six wardens organise a school run every morning and an after school club. For the elderly and vulnerable, wardens pay visits, take them to bingo and social clubs and run errands collecting pensions and prescriptions. Their endeavours have been recognised by two national awards last year, including Best Neighbourhood Scheme in the country, from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
John, Deputy Warden for three years, said:
"The scheme aims to change people's outlook on their lives and improves the community fabric for local residents."
Catford Community Flat
Operating from a converted flat inside the Millford Towers housing estate, it has been operating since last August. Run by its incredibly enthusiastic housing officer, Lisa, it has proved a great success. Millford Towers, once a no go area, has been transformed. The flat provides a drop-in service for residents and has improved community cohesion and reduced the fear of crime. Other activities on offer include an after school club, barbeques, a centre for the elderly and a drop in café.
For more information contact Shireen Bacchus 020 7217 3173
