Each month we celebrate a different champion – someone who works with their local community and supports and promotes Neighbourhood Support.
November's champion is Christine Dorsey, a Coordinator for Neighbourhood Support Waitaki. 🎉🙌
We asked her a few questions about her involvement with Neighbourhood Support:
How long have you been involved with Neighbourhood Support?
Just over two years.
How do you engage with and promote Neighbourhood Support Locally?
Coming into this role, on the back of being the Migrant and Newcomers Coordinator for ten years, meant I had significant local connections which is incredibly important and valuable in this position. I love working with people and helping them and I am also incredibly fortunate to have supportive partnerships with many of our stakeholders. This has meant that even though I work solo, every single event is a collaboration and team effort which provides significant value and makes the job fun and enjoyable.
What motivates you to work alongside our organisation?
I believe that everyone should have a good relationship with their neighbours. I also believe upskilling people and providing them with information, so they are informed and resilient, is essential. Social contact is an amazing thing. It makes us live longer and improves mental health, so it’s really important, especially right now when there is so much isolation and anxiety. So, coming together in neighbourhoods and communities has many benefits and it’s something I am passionate about. A simple chat can never be underestimated. We are social beings, and together we are stronger and happier!
What aspects of community networking have you seen Neighbourhood Support work really well?
I love going into streets for meetings with the Police. Usually there is a great turn out and it’s a chance for people to hear about Neighbourhood Support and receive information from the Police. People generally leave surprised, that “there is a lot more to Neighbourhood Support”, than they realised. It has also been a privilege to have been trained in Home Fire Safety Visits and carry these out with FENZ. Going into people’s homes and making sure people have smoke alarms is ultimately lifesaving.
What would you tell your colleagues about Neighbourhood Support?
I don’t really need to tell them because I am always spouting off!! However, three key words say it all. Connection, safety and resilience. That’s what I live by in this role. If everything NS does fits within those goals, then we will be making a difference. The world is changing with more weather events, more crime and more disconnection but Neighbourhood Support is here to reassure people that they can manage all these things if they are prepared, informed and aware of crime prevention. We are stronger together.
-ENDS
About Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Neighbourhood Support is a nationwide community led movement that brings people and neighbourhoods together to create safe, resilient, and connected communities. Over 220,000 households are part of our growing network. Neighbourhood Support work alongside NZ Police and other partners to equip neighbourhoods to improve safety, be prepared for emergencies and support one another so that our communities are great places to live.
Address (appointment only)
C/O Police National Headquarters
180 Molesworth Street
Thorndon, Wellington, 6011
New Zealand
Email - info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
Phone - 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS (0800 463 444)
Twitter - https://twitter.com/nsnewzealand
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