Getting Better Together in Warsop

A campaign to encourage people to be good neighbours is starting to bring a community closer together.  

As part of a wider Safer Streets project in the Warsop area, Better Together was set up earlier this year to strengthen connections between residents and share information about community services.

Dozens of residents who need a helping hand have been supported so far, with people walking dogs for their neighbours, shopping for those who are ill, and encouraging those who are isolated to join community groups.

Better Together volunteers will also continue to support the work of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Champions, local volunteers who promote positive messages on issues such as vaccinations and mental health.

Anyone, regardless of age or ability, can get involved in Better Together by emailing saferstreets@mansfield.gov.uk. All they need to do is provide their contact details and agree to keep a record of when and how they help others. 

“I think the project has been a great idea,” said one resident. “There are so many people who appreciate even the smallest of things being done for them. I think people should do it more often.

“I helped an elderly person to use her microwave; it had been there two years and she hadn't used it. She was so grateful to me and the happiness in her face gave me joy.”

Another, who works at a high street store in Warsop, said: “Through my job I see lots of people who benefit from a helping hand and many who are lonely. I think using people in the community like me to help each other out and share information is a very good idea.”

Cllr Angie Jackson, Joint Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Health and Safer Communities, said: "Better Together has built on the excellent community spirit that already exists in Warsop and helped a good number of people so far. 

"It has linked people up, introduced them to organisations working in Warsop, and created real feel-good benefits. We recognise that not everyone visits service-provider websites or has social media accounts, so what better way to get information out than by using people living and working in the community to share it.

“We would like to sincerely thank those who got involved and who have made a difference to other people’s lives. They should feel very proud of themselves. Thank you, too, to Warsop Parish Council and Vibrant Warsop for supporting and helping to promote the scheme.”

Better Together is part of a £300,000 Safer Streets project in Warsop, funded by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and overseen and delivered by Mansfield District Council, Nottinghamshire Police and other community-based partners.

It aligns with council priorities on Place and Wellbeing, and has resulted in a variety of crime-cutting and community safety initiatives. These include new CCTV and Safe Point cameras and educational work in schools, with a focus on improving the safety of women and girls.