We are incredibly proud of our journey through the past 40 years and equally excited about our future. Scroll down to learn more about our past, present and future or click here for an interactive experience.
Past
Our journey
1984 - Neighbourhood Watch groups band together
Neighbourhood Watch groups, such as in Ulverston, are officially recognised and others band together, such as the New Century Area of Romford (London Borough of Havering) covering over 2,000 homes and 10 Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Many run events such as dances, open fun days, pensioners' Christmas lunches and street parties, to help raise funds and create a caring community. Some are featured on national news as they run self-defence classes in response to local flashers.
2016 - The movement gains momentum
The movement gains traction across the country as communities, such as in York, unite against crimes such as burglaries, car thefts and antisocial behaviour.
2018 - Annual Neighbour of the Year Awards launch
We launch the UK-wide Neighbour of the Year Award (NOTY), in partnership with Co-op Insurance. Our aim is to recognise active individuals who help strengthen community safety, health and wellbeing. The awards go from strength to strength, with new categories added each year. Winners:
- 2018 - Paul Zeun (NOTY)
- 2019 - Nilesh Chohan (NOTY) and Kevin Plicio (Community Spaces Champion)
- 2020 - Shaun Blagdon (NOTY) and Taylor O'Connor (Young NOTY)
- 2021 - Lynette Pryke (NOTY), Keyham Neighbourhood Watch (Community of the Year) and Noah Macdonald (Young NOTY)
Present
2020 - We support communities during Covid-19
2020 is a bumper year of activity for us. We rapidly adapt to support communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. We launch our Calling Tree campaign to support isolated and vulnerable people. We partner with the Croods 2 film and Co-op Insurance for a community treehouse competition. Lottie Brown (8) from York wins the competition. The treehouse is built in the Wildlife Trust's Idle Valley Nature Reserve.
2021 - The Month of Community launches
We join eight other charities as founding members of an annual Month of Community in June. In our first year, over 15 million people take part.
2022 - We celebrate our 40th anniversary
Throughout 2022 we will celebrate our 40th anniversary with:
- a special-edition logo
- a crime and partnership conference
- a Neighbourhood Watch lottery and merchandise
- Volunteer Recognition Awards
- a short film
Local groups can join us in recognising this milestone. They can choose activities from our '40 Years, 40 Actions' guide and participate in Neighbourhood Watch Week 2022.
Future
2024 - Reducing loneliness and isolation
We will actively work to reduce loneliness and isolation in communities. We’ll work in partnership with local and national charities and agencies to do this
2024 - Community Charter
The Community Charter for individuals and local organisations, will have 2,500 organisations and businesses signed up and participating.
2025 - Community health and wellbeing
We will be a recognised contributor to community health and wellbeing. We’ll focus on increasing community cohesion and reducing loneliness and isolation.