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Cambridge Community Stands Strong in Times of Crisis

In moments of uncertainty, one thing remains constant - the unwavering spirit of our community. The people of Cambridge have once again demonstrated their readiness to step up, proving that in times of crisis, we are never alone. Recently, a woman collapsed in Victoria Square, prompting swift action from those who dedicate themselves to the safety and wellbeing of others. Our incredible Community Patrol was first to respond, providing crucial first aid with confidence and professionalism. T...

Donate & get a third back at tax time!

📢 Support the Safer Cambridge Trust (Cambridge Neighbourhood Support & Community Patrol) before the end of this financial year! 💛 Just a few days left for you to donate and receive a third back after 31 March!In 2024 we:·       Patrolled 288 nights in the year!·       Published regular crime reports and alerted affected neighbourhoods (see our FB page!)·       Connected neighbourhoods in C...

Scott Street Neighbours Gather at Local Motorcamp

On a sunny afternoon, Scott Street neighbours gathered for a street meeting at the picturesque Top10 Motorcamp. We were grateful to be hosted at this lovely venue, which many residents had never explored despite living in the area for decades.The event was a delightful mix of socializing and safety discussions. Neighbours arrived with their children, who enjoyed the playground while the adults mingled.  A highlight was the attendance of an ex-Police Officer, who provided valuable insights d...

Honiss & Naomi Places: Building a Stronger, Safer Community

On a warm Friday evening late February 25, our neighbourhood held its second meeting since the initial gathering in October 2024. The first meeting saw a large turnout of neighbours coming together to discuss safety concerns following a series of burglaries in the area. This recent meeting, though smaller and more casual, was equally significant in fostering community spirit.Despite the smaller crowd, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Neighbours were delighted to reconnect and continue buil...

Assess the Flammability of Your Home and Property: A Call to Action for Rural Residents

As we are in peak fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging rural residents to take proactive steps in assessing the flammability of their homes and properties. With the increasing risk of wildfires, it is crucial to ensure that your property is as fire-resistant as possible.Why Assess Flammability?Living in rural areas often means being surrounded by vegetation, which can be both a beautiful and a hazardous feature of your property. Flammable plants and materials can significan...

Cambridge Community Patrol's Remarkable Efforts in 2024

In 2024, our Community Patrol demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness, handling a total of 302 incidents involving vehicles, property, people, disorder, and special services, primarily in support of emergency services. Their commitment to safety and community well-being was evident in the 17,600 kilometres they covered in their ute and the 2,050 patrol hours they logged throughout the year.A Year of Impactful ServiceThe Community Patrol's efforts were not just about numbers; they w...

Fire Safety isn't just for Fire Fighters

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Groundbreaking programme for women living with violence

In an important step towards helping women to reclaim their strength, resilience and empowerment, a pioneering support programme has been developed and will be piloted in our Cambridge community.  This programme was launched on 29 November, with great support from the local community. The launch event, held in Cambridge, saw an impressive turnout of dignitaries including the Hon. Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, Hon Louise Upston, our local MP, and the Deputy Mayor, underscoring the imp...

What Your Donation Can Buy

We are reaching out to you, our valued community members, to ask for your support. Your generous donations, no matter how small, play a crucial role in sustaining our efforts. Every contribution, whether it's the cost of a cup of coffee or larger, helps us to do the work that makes living in Cambridge friendlier, safer and more resilient to natural disaster events. ...

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...

A Conversation with the Cambridge Vintage Car Club

On a rainy evening, the local Vintage Car Club hosted a special visit from Cambridge Neighbourhood Support, drawing a room full of car enthusiasts eager to engage in meaningful discussions about community issues. The event was a unique blend of passion for vintage cars and a shared commitment to improving neighbourhood safety and cohesion.The highlight of the visit was the interactive session with our dedicated Police Sergeant Greg Foster, who patiently answered a myriad of questions from the at...

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...