Group Home

Not in my neighbourhood weedswoodNot in my Neighbourhood Week

mhs homes was joined by other key partners from the community to hold a packed week of events for local residents to take part in "Not in my neighbourhood week."

Organisations including The Medway Community Safety Partnership, Kent Fire and Rescue service, Medway Police and West Kent Lifeways, joined the week long initiative.

"Not in my neighbourhood", is a home office run initiative dedicated to activity that aims to raise public awareness of the work being done by local agencies to tackle crime and anti social behaviour, and to make communities safer.

Events included a fun day, clean ups, community safety road shows, mini sports days, afternoon tea and cricket, a football tournament and a teddy bears picnic.

Neil Spencer, mhs homes Housing Officer, who teamed up with Charlton Football Club for an afternoon of football with youngsters from the Weedswood area said, "We want to raise awareness among residents of mhs homes properties and the local community of what we are doing alongside other agencies to tackle anti social behaviour. The intention was to bring communities together and encourage residents to engage with us and other local agencies, so they can play their part in tackling local issues."

Liam Pyne(13) from Walderslade said, "Me and my mate have had a good time playing football with a crowd of people and the Charlton players too."

Local councillors David Drake and Ian Burt were both there to help with a litter pick and also cheered on the youngsters who played football. Councillor Burt said," I am pleased to see the encouraging turn out of youngsters from around the area. Congratulations to mhs homes for organising such a welcome event."

Over in Humber Crescent, Strood residents turned out for a littler pick of their neighbourhood with a difference. Pickers and sacks were handed out to the local families who were encouraged to hunt for small prizes like whistles and puzzles while collecting rubbish. Any children who found a coconut won a larger prize. Drink and sweets were handed out to all.

Diane Higgins of Clifton Close who took her grand-children along said, "There’s nothing for the children to do so when it came through that mhs homes was organising a free fun day here for the kids, we thought we’d get out in the fresh air and have some of that. It’s been really good for them and a laugh for us too!"

For more pictures of the Not in my Neighbourhood week click here or visit mhs homes facebook page.