Warden Schemes

Wardens play a unique role in neighbourhood renewal. They provide a highly visible, uniformed presence in residential and public areas, town centres and high-crime areas.

They are specially trained and their aim is to improve peoples’ quality of life by reducing crime and fear of crime, deterring anti-social behaviour, fostering social inclusion and caring for the environment. Wardens get to know problems, talk with people and take action in the community. Every warden scheme is different, meeting the needs of the residents within that area.

There are more than 500 warden schemes across England. They build community spirit, look after and improve local surroundings and raise the community’s self esteem.

Feeling Safer

People say they feel safer with wardens around. An Arun District survey found that Arun was a safe place to live, and 75% of respondents reported feeling safer as a result of the community warden scheme.

A survey in Portsmouth found that 57% of respondents felt safer with the wardens patrolling the area, 35% of people felt the area was cleaner and 33% noticed less crime.

Good for the Community

Aside from being excellent value for money, as Social Development Direct found, warden schemes are:

Observant and trustworthy
Always working in partnership with agencies such as the police
Constantly sorting out graffiti hot spots
Setting up diversionary youth activities such as football leagues
Breaking down age barriers by organising trips like bingo that the young and elderly attend

Prime Minister visits Reading

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Helping out in Severe Weather

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