The 5th of September marks the International Day of Charity – a worldwide initiative to raise awareness of and encourage charitable pursuits. Neighbourhood Watch is the largest volunteer-led crime prevention charity in the UK, working alongside partner ERA Home Security to share home security advice and help community crime prevention.
How Neighbourhood Watch and ERA are helping people feel more secure
At the heart of both Neighbourhood Watch and ERA’s ethos is a shared belief in helping people feel more secure in their homes, and within their communities. Through its support of Neighbourhood Watch, ERA brings decades of home security expertise to the partnership, helping to provide homeowners with practical advice on protecting their properties.
Creating safer neighbourhoods isn’t just about making sure our own homes are secure. The International Day of Charity is a timely reminder that giving back can take many forms, and that small actions close to home can make a meaningful difference to your community.
Want to know how you can make a difference this International Day of Charity? Sumier Foster-Shah, Customer ServicesManager at ERA, shares some simple steps you can take.
Get to know your neighbours
“Knowing the people who live around you can help create a stronger and more connected community. Try introducing yourself to a new neighbour, stopping for a conversation, or checking in with someone you haven’t seen for a while. Building closer relationships means people are better placed to look out for one another and notice when something doesn’t seem quite right, allowing appropriate action to be taken more quickly.”
Share your time and knowledge
“Giving doesn’t always have to mean donating money. This International Day of Charity, you might consider whether you could give a little of your time instead. This could be helping a neighbour review their home security setup, sharing useful crime prevention or home security
advice, volunteering locally, or getting more involved with your local Neighbourhood Watch group. Even a small amount of time can have a positive impact, and make you feel more involved in your local community.”
Look out for those who need extra support
“Some people in our communities may feel more vulnerable than others. Checking in with a neighbour who may need extra support, helping someone better understand home security measures, or simply making sure your neighbours know they can turn to you for support can all help people to feel more confident and connected to the wider community.”
Share simple home security reminders
“Good security habits can benefit the whole neighbourhood. Encourage nearby friends and neighbours to make their home appear to be occupied if they’re going away, to check that doors, windows, sheds and garages are properly secured, and that valuables are always kept out of sight. Sharing trusted advice can help others identify simple changes they may not have considered - you can find specific advice on a range of home security questions on the ERA site.”
This International Day of Charity, remember that making a difference doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Whether it’s volunteering a little of your free time, sharing useful home security advice, or simply checking in on a neighbour who might need it, small acts can add up to stronger communities where everyone feels safer and more secure.
Click here to learn more about ERA’s range of smart home security solutions.