Bournemouth | Posted on November 6th, 2024 | return to news
BCP Council looking to recruit Community Guardians
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council needs volunteers to help look after people who may become vulnerable while on a night out.
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council has launched a new volunteering scheme aimed at residents who want to help keep people safe while on nights out in Bournemouth Town Centre.
Led by BCP Council and Dorset Police, the BCP Community Safety Partnership needs volunteers who can dedicate some time to assisting people who may become vulnerable or need help on a Friday or Saturday night.
Community Guardianship volunteers will help by providing water, foil blankets for warmth, mobile phone usage, assistance getting home and general reassurance. Volunteers will be asked to patrol central Bournemouth, specifically around Lansdowne, Horseshoe Common and Bournemouth Square, between 8pm and midnight.
Dorset Police will co-ordinate recruitment and vetting of candidates, while providing detailed training, contact information and equipment. This training will take place from January to March 2025, with the Community Guardians starting their volunteering duties in April.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “If you’re interested in volunteering and working alongside the police, becoming a Community Guardianship Volunteer on a Friday or Saturday night in Bournemouth is an ideal opportunity.
“Working with our partners, we want to enable people to contribute to the local community, providing reassurance and comfort to individuals who may find themselves in distress or in need of help.
“We really appreciate anyone who gives up some of their valuable free time to volunteer and their efforts will be greatly welcomed.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I encourage people to sign up to become a Community Guardian as it will not only help strengthen the BCP community but also means there are more opportunities for people to seek help, should they need it.
“The funding for the scheme, which was awarded following a joint bid between my office and the BCP Community Safety Partnership, will enable volunteers to be comprehensively trained and thereafter to provide safety advice and assistance to those who may need it within the Bournemouth Town Centre and on routes home.
“Keeping people safe is a shared priority and this initiative is yet another example of how partners are working together to ensure people not only stay safe but feel safe when they are out and about enjoying what Bournemouth has to offer.”
For more information, or to sign up to be a Community Guardianship volunteer, go to https://www.saferbcp.co.uk/community-guardianship-scheme.
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