Hartleneighbours

Why are local support networks valuable? 

There’s no single way to show good neighbourliness. We don’t need to be told what good neighbourliness looks like – we know it when we see it and we feel right when we show it. Scientists have proved that supportive social relationships are not only good for our emotional well-being but for our physical health as well. For example, simply knowing there are supportive people in our social network positively affects heart rate and blood pressure. See here.

What’s involved in setting up a street network?

There’s no single way to start your street network. It’s entirely up to you how you go about it – you’re in control and making the decisions. If you were looking for some pointers then Hartlepower suggests you use the resources on this website – it’s useful, for example, to consider safeguarding vulnerable people, such as children.

Below is one possible way of getting started – based on what we know has worked in Hartlepool so far. To see a filmed discussion between people who have set up street networks click here.

• Making contact and inviting neighbours into your street network –  Examples of ways to make contact are shown here  Don’t forget though that not every neighbour will necessarily want to join in. It’s important to remember that street networks can only work when people have chosen for themselves to get involved. And always follow government guidance when making contact – such as keeping a 2 metre physical distance at all times.

• Sharing preferred contact details with one another – – such as our landline/mobile number and/or email address. Everyone choosing to join the network should feel comfortable with what they’re sharing with other people. Some street networks have had fun choosing a name.

• Staying in touch –  to see some of the ways in which street networks are staying in touch click here

• Looking out for one another –without being intrusive, be aware of how people are managing. For example, noticing that someone who is usually active hasn’t been seen for a while might ring an alarm bell. There is plenty of support in Hartlepool – click here  to see what’s available and for contact details.  But street networks are not an excuse for nosiness or surveillance – there’s a fine line between looking out for others and unwanted interference. If we are seriously concerned that someone is in danger then we need to alert the proper authorities – click  here  for information.

• Supporting one another – · Help one another – Supporting neighbours can be both practical and emotional. Practical help provided through street networks so far has included shopping, fetching prescriptions and gardening. Simply by staying in touch from time to time is emotionally supportive.

• Come together with other networks – Hartlepower will be organising weekly meetings of all the street networks to celebrate successes, share good ideas and discuss any challenges. Any network which like to attend will be welcome. All we need is your contact details.