On Friday 9 December 2016 the first Community Safety & Wellbeing Event was held in Northumberland Park, organised by Haringey Council and The Bridge Renewal Trust, with representation from Homes for Haringey and various volunteer and support agencies from across Haringey.
The day focused on safety and wellbeing, which included the benefits that volunteering can bring for both individuals and the community as a whole. This included a community litter pick, led by the newly-formed group of safety champions with help from CleanupUK and Veolia, before the event opened and information about the variety of volunteering opportunities available.
The day also highlighted the importance of keeping active, including a fun five minute workout with Streetz Ahead which got everyone, including the Mayor, on their feet and fired up for the day ahead.
The Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Ali Gul Ozbek, said “It was great to see so many residents of Northumberland Park interested in volunteering activities and working as a community to help make north Tottenham a safe, vibrant and exciting place to live.”
Residents also got to meet the lead mentor for Community Shop, who will be operating north London’s first social supermarket when it opens in the Eric Allin Community Centre next year.
Lots of positive feedback was received from attendees, including praise for the opportunity to network and discover people’s ideas through a “very innovative” event . “This is about taking pride in your community,” said resident and safety champion Rose Dakuo. “It’s important to keep the area clean and tidy and it just makes it a nicer place for our children.”