Kirklands Area Neighbourhood Watch - Safe Community
Event Location: Hull
Event Date: 01/06/2000
Event Time:
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Participatory appraisal research study, excerpts from the Kirklands Area Neighbourhood Watch - Safe Community Report 2000.
This study was funded by a Community Chest Grant, and the following excerpts of a thirty page document, are a brief summary of findings related to drugs and the setting up of Dads Against Drugs:
The objectives of the study was to conduct the study within the boundaries of the Neighbourhood Watch, Spring Bank West Area of Hull, to identify possible solutions to local issues and the potential barriers to addressing these.
The Researchers were all community-based people trained in using Participatory Appraisal tools and techniques.
The problem of drug use was highlighted by some residents, some told of their concern over a group of glue-sniffers that hang about outside the local chip shop, for many it was the indiscriminate dumping of discarded needles, for others it was linked with the rise of local crime. Local residents were aware that a local Doctor's Surgery was used as a methadone clinic. Most of the residents consulted were interested in preventing misuse before it happened, they were particularly concerned about their young children.
Although the Researchers did not find much evidence of drug misuse, the Researchers themselves were approached twice by people offering drugs for sale during the duration of the project.
Dads Against Drugs - a positive community response
Within our local community, as with many communities, there are issues related to the problems of illegal drug misuse. During the survey, the Researchers were approached by individuals asking if they wanted to buy drugs.
It was agreed by the committee to act in a positive manner, working in positive partnership with individuals, communities and agencies. The most important factor was to create an appropriate and acceptable way of promoting the issues of drugs. Rob Broomfield Chair of the Neighbourhood Watch and co-report writer founded DADs as a independent scheme with its own structured committee and bank account. A new logo was designed, which we hope will become synonomous with the development and positive community response to the issues of drugs.
The Kirklands Area - Safe Community Neighbourhood Watch in 2004
There were many issues identified in the research findings, and a way forward was proposed with a request for increased involvement of the local people. Sadly we realised that there was a lack of real enthusasim for positive change, and the reliance on a small group of people to resolve issues on demand. We recognise the potential of Neighbourhood Watches and the role they play within communities, whilst DAD's has grown significantly, the Kirkland Area Neighbourhood Watch has become inactive.
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