Susan Cozien, Diep River
If you think the country is going downhill, and want to do something about it, join a neighbourhood watch. To say it's life changing is an exaggeration, but here are some of the things that changed for me.
From feeling fairly helpless in an emergency or a threatening situation, I now have a group to call on that will pitch up in five minutes. Depending on the need, they may be followed by a response team trained to deal with emergencies like heart attacks or motor accidents until the police or ambulance arrive. I can now be proactive in a crisis, I don’t need to wonder what to do about suspicious characters in my street, people trying to camp on the sidewalk, crimes I see in progress. There is a procedure I can activate.
I no longer feel cut off from officials and forces that are supposed to help the citizen with problems. My neighbourhood watch has a well-developed communication system with our ward councillors, the local police and the relevant civic association. There is a network of people hearing about our problems and working with us to solve them. There are members who can suggest what to do about lost dogs and budgies, or point you in the right direction for help with flooded streets or fallen trees.
Instead of being an isolated voice overwhelmed by the problems of the country and the inertia of the authorities, I am now part of a group that has made it possible to bring about change.
You can support a neighbourhood watch with donations to cover costs like security cameras or response-team equipment, but the most fun way I know is to become a volunteer patroller. It is a safe way to be the eyes and ears to start the response to any problems or emergencies in your neighbourhood and be part of an organisation that is making a difference. Just Google your local watch to get started.