Back to Blog

Under the Blossoms in Leamington

Did you know that recent research underscores the profound impact of social connection on our health. Studies reveal that strong social ties can lead to a 50% increased chance of longevity, bolster the immune system, and even help individuals recover from diseases more swiftly1. Conversely, a lack of social connection is linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and even early mortality2. The evidence is clear: fostering meaningful relationships is as crucial to our well-being as maintainin...

Building Connection: How Honiss & Naomi Places Came Together

In the heart of a quiet neighbourhood, nestled among tree-lined streets and cozy homes, a sense of camaraderie has blossomed. It all began with a series of unsettling events—a string of burglaries leaving some feeling vulnerable and disconnected. But adversity has a way of uniting people, and this neighbourhood came together to reclaim their sense of safety and belonging.The GatheringAnd so, on a crisp spring morning, the neighbourhood convened. The street buzzed with activity as residents mad...

Street Coordinators Create Community Culture

In an age where digital interactions often eclipse face-to-face connections, the role of neighbourhood support street coordinators becomes increasingly vital. These community champions are not only the glue that holds neighbourhoods together but also the driving force behind fostering a sense of unity and support. Through their efforts, they create environments where people look out for one another, fostering both security and camaraderie. Here are a few stories that highlight the incredible imp...

Want to Live Longer? Meet Your Neighbours!

Did you know that getting to know your neighbours could add years to your life? Research has shown that strong social connections can significantly boost both physical and mental health, and even increase your lifespan. In a study published in PLOS Medicine, people with solid social ties were found to have a 50% higher chance of living longer than those with weaker connections. In fact, the effects of loneliness on health have been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.Strong neighbourhood rel...

The Power of Neighbourly Connections: A Key to Mental Wellbeing

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become isolated, even in the midst of bustling neighbourhoods. However, recent research suggests that maintaining connections with our neighbours isn’t just a pleasant social bonus - it’s a crucial element in protecting and enhancing our mental health. The act of fostering relationships with those who live nearby can have profound effects on both mental and physical wellbeing.The Link Between Connection and WellbeingResearch has consistently show...

"Our Neighbours Are Our Most Capable Guardians"

Join Eileen Hawkins from Neighbourhood Support Cambridge as she sits down with Senior Constable Deb Hann, our Cambridge Community Liaison Officer from New Zealand Police. Together, they'll explore vital strategies and insights on how we can band together as a community to safeguard against crime and antisocial behaviour. Learn about:·       the vital importance of connection·       neighbourhood emergency planning·  &n...

Cosy Get-Togethers Made Simple!

With the chilly weather upon us, there’s no better time to come together for some cozy and stress-free get-togethers in our wonderful neighbourhoods. Whether it’s a spontaneous gathering or a planned event, here are some creative tips to make your next neighbourhood gathering both cozy and stress-free: 1. Plan Ahead, But Keep It Casual: Schedule a date and time for the get-together, but remember to keep it relaxed.  (Remember that Neighbourhood Support can help with flyers if neede...

Grab and Go Kit

During the Cyclone Gabrielle I heard about a family that were housed with their second floor business in a large shed.  When the water started to rise very quickly they moved with the children to the second floor area thinking that they would be safe.  Fairly soon it became evident that water was going to rise above their second floor and they started devising a way to cut a hole in the roof.  They were successful and the whole family managed to move onto the roof to await rescue....

Preparing for the big one, just in case

A few weeks ago, I felt my first ever earthquake. I heard it coming before I felt it. Many people had told me that an earthquake sounds like a truck driving towards your house, and they weren’t wrong. “What’s that noise?” I asked my husband. “An earthquake,” he replied, as the first jolt hit our house. The shaking was strong but it didn’t last long. But when my seven-year-old son asked if our house was going to fall down and if we’d be buried like so many people in...

Citizenship at Hautapu School

We were thrilled to spend time at Hautapu School recently. Our visit focused on engaging with students across various year levels to instill valuable lessons about community, responsibility, and safety.Years 3 to 6: Understanding Local Knowledge and Needs We began our visit by engaging with students from Years 3 to 6. The primary aim was to help them understand the importance of knowing their address and local area. We equipped the students with knowledge, skills, and experiences to understand h...

Neighbourhood Support Shines at Cambridge Autumn Festival

As the hues of autumn descended upon Cambridge, our team at Neighbourhood Support was thrilled to be part of the bustling energy of the Cambridge Autumn Festival. This annual celebration, which has become a hallmark event in our town, brought together residents and visitors from far and wide to revel in music, street performances, and community engagement.At our booth, entertained by the wonderful clown performance, we had the privilege of sharing valuable information about Neighbourhood Support...

Support Your Community!

In a small room in central Cambridge a little-known Trust meets monthly to plan what to do next to support their community.  The Safer Cambridge Trust has been operating for 14 years with its focus to enhance the wellbeing and safety of the members of our community.  The Trust operates Cambridge’s community patrol and neighbourhood support.   The Cambridge Community Patrol drives our streets almost every night of the week and into the wee hours of the morning.  They wo...

Neighbourhood Disputes

Living with close neighbours is a fact of life if you live in a town.  We’ve all seen the awful TV shows displaying neighbourhood conflict that has got out of hand. Here at Cambridge Neighbourhood Support we encourage people to build neighbourhoods where people enjoy each other’s company and support one another.However, just as in a family, sometimes there will be things you disagree on.  When this happens, it's worth communicating well to avoid things getting out of hand. &nb...

Resthaven Residents Engage in Safety Session

In our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and informed community, we recently had the pleasure of hosting a public speaking engagement at the Resthaven Retirement Village. The focus of the session was on equipping our residents with valuable insights on staying safe from crime, making it an interactive and engaging experience for all. The Power of Shared Knowledge:The event provided a platform for our residents to come together and glean insights on personal safety and crime prevention....

Car theft!

Recently our local Community Constable asked CNS to send a message to Cambridge residents about a spike in car tampering and theft.  It's a good idea for all of us to be aware that these incidents are occurring.  I share the message with you here:"Cambridge East is currently experiencing a spike in car interference and theft.  If you are a victim of car crime, whether damage or theft, please report it immediately.  This helps us to gather as much evidence as possible and trac...

Te Miro Resident's Meeting

On a crisp evening in Te Miro, concerned residents from the tight-knit community gathered at the local community hall for an important meeting. The main agenda? To discuss safety from crime and the implications of New Zealand's recent firearm legislation. In a valuable opportunity for residents to engage with local law enforcement and community leaders, the meeting brought together the expertise of the local senior Constable, Firearms Manager, and Community Patrol Leader. The event served as a p...

Acknowledgement of the Cambridge Community Board

"We are immensely grateful to the Cambridge Community Board for their invaluable support from their discretionary fund.  It's heartening to work alongside the Community Board in our shared mission to uphold the health and safety of our community.  Support from the Community Board has helped us to implement key initiatives and resources that directly benefit our residents.  We have had contributions toward our office setup, First Aid classes and Children's Citizenship Programmes.&n...

Leithfield Village - Neighbourhood Communities working together!

The journey towards the revitalization of Coppard Reserve began when the Leithfield Community Centre, initially established to oversee the community hall, evolved into a platform for residents to share ideas and aspirations. Jo Hassall, a driving force behind the community centre, recognized the importance of encouraging locals’ involvement and keeping them well-informed. With each meeting and mailbox run, more residents joined the conversation, and the email list grew to around 70 people.Earl...

Local High School Student Organizes Successful Fundraiser for Safer Cambridge

In a remarkable display of initiative and community spirit, a high school student from Cambridge took it upon herself to organize a fundraiser that has resulted in a generous donation of $400 to Safer Cambridge.The organizer of this admirable venture is Tansy Clarke, a student at Cambridge High School. Fuelled by a genuine concern for the safety and well-being of her fellow residents, Tansy sought a creative way to contribute to the important work carried out by Safer Cambridge. The ambitious st...

First Aid Courses - only $35!

🚑🆘🏠 Calling All Cambridge Neighbours! Learn Life-Saving First Aid with Us! 🆘🚑Are you ready to be a role model in your community? Cambridge Neighbourhood Support (CNS) is thrilled to announce our subsidized First Aid Training Courses, aimed at empowering our neighbourhoods to be even more resilient in times of emergency! Together, we can make our community safer and better prepared for any unexpected situation. Thanks to the generous support of Waipa District Council, we are o...

Love Cambridge with Safer Cambridge Trust!

Imagine living in a thriving and vibrant town where every shop front is filled with an interesting offer and many give their time generously to enhance community wellbeing.This town is Cambridge.  Those who live here gradually come to know about the many business and community groups that work together to enrich the life lived in the town. Cambridge boasts a special Trust (Safer Cambridge Trust or SCT) that operates Cambridge Neighbourhood Support and Cambridge Community Patrol.  ...

How to get to know your neighbours

I have just enjoyed an overnight visit from a couple who used to be my neighbours more than 15 years ago. Back then we used to live on 10 acre blocks, so visiting meant walking across paddocks and turning up in our gumboots. Our relationship was forged over social occasions, helping on “the farm” and sharing resources during frequent power cuts. Nowadays my neighbours are much, much, closer to me and happily I can say that we are beginning to forge the same kind of dependable relationshi...

Cambridge Community House supports Neighbourhood Support

CNS often refers people in need to one of our many supportive Cambridge agencies.  Cambridge Community House is one of these very valuable resources.  Based at 193 Shakespeare Street in Leamington, it is an important agency for the community to be aware of.   Here is a word from Gabby Byrne, General Manager of the Community House...Cambridge Community House has offered safe, warm and welcoming support to our community for 37 years.  We do this through our Counselling, Fi...

Family Harm Support

Everyone has the right to a relationship that is equal, respectful, supportive, and safe. Is your partner making you feel unsafe? Family Violence isn’t always physical. Does your partner make you feel afraid, hurt you, control or limit what you can do? Reach out to us, we are someone you can trust. Whether you want to leave or stay, we can support you. We can listen as well as help you with the practical bits. Our team are dedicated to assisting your whānau to have the safe happy lives you...

Capable Communities

On the morning of the earthquake people of Christchurch blithely went about their business, dressing carefully for the office, delivering children to school and driving to work.  It was only much later that they thought about small things they could have done to prepare, “but it was such an unexpected event….!”New Zealand lies on the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. The collision of those two plates under the North Island is what's driving most of our volcanism....