Christian project launches new police venture
 2010: A Norwich Christian project plans to launch a new community venture in the new year in partnership with the local police.
Since April 2008 East Norwich Youth Project (ENYP) has operated a Street Pastor scheme across the East of Norwich to engage with the community. At the start of this year they felt that it was right to end Street Pastors in the area and think about the best way of continuing to provide a positive impact in the community.
Over the past few months ENYP has been working together with a number of partners including the local SNT (Police teams) about a new ground level venture in the community; and a new project called 'Streetwise' will be launched in the new year.
Danny Doran-Smith, Project Director of ENYP, said “ENYP are already working in the community, providing support and development particularly for young people. Streetwise will build on this, volunteers will be able to offer practical support for the people they meet, and will also be able to take responsibility for reporting issues which need to be dealt with by the authorities, the police and the council. For example if a Streetwise volunteer finds some graffiti or vandalism, they can make sure it gets reported to the right people at the council to deal with it. Streetwise volunteers can also help to engage with young or vulnerable people, and offer support or advice about any issues which may be affecting them.”
What is streetwise?
Motivated and capable individuals patrolling and responding to the needs of the community from a support point of view. It will be done in pairs for a minimum of 2 hours per month. Patrols will be focused on improving the communities. Support will be focused on visiting individuals or families who identify particular support needs.
Streetwise provides opportunities for cohesion, looks for ways to intervene to protect/reduce harm to vulnerable persons, provides information to council/police where action is required, and seeks feedback from communities.
Why do we need streetwise?
- Communities need to re-gain ownership of their neighbourhoods.
- Police and the Council working alone cannot build a community.
- Fear of crime and anti-social behaviour is far greater than the reality that is reported.
- Vulnerability exists on our doorstep.
 Inspector Lisa Hooper from Heartsease and Thorpe Hamlet SNT, said, “Many issues which affect our communities are about quality of life. Streetwise volunteers will do their bit to help, by being a friendly face, a listening ear and a responsible citizen. There is already a lot of really good support available locally, on all kinds of issues, but many people just don’t know where to start. Streetwise is a really exciting way of encouraging communities to work together."
Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, said: “The ENYP’s activities are always impressive and I’m confident the new Streetwise project will be a success in building on the many exciting things already going on in the area. I hear a lot about people’s hopes and worries in east Norwich, and with the best will in the world the police and the council can’t solve everything. Helping people regain a part in their own community through this venture will be a great new focus.”
 Information/launch evening
In the New Year an information/launch evening will be held to share more about the work of Streetwise, and to explain the opportunities for involvement and partnering (presentations will be led by Inspector Lisa Hooper and Danny Doran-Smith).
All are welcome to attend this evening which will be held on Thursday 20th January 2011, 7pm at St Matthews Church, Telegraph Lane West, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, NR1 4JL
For more information about the work of ENYP please visit www.enyp.org.uk
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