Annual Neighbourhood Watch Conference sheds light on the evolving diversity of our local community

The Fermanagh & Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators recently came together to network and discuss the challenges and rewards of running Neighbourhood Watch Schemes at the annual PCSP Neighbourhood Watch Conference. 

With nearly 100 schemes operating across the district there was representation from all seven District Electoral Areas, making it an invaluable networking event to share ideas and catch up with other coordinators.

Held at The Manor House Country Hotel, Killadeas and officially opened by PCSP Chairperson, Councillor Tommy Maguire, guests received a presentation from Chief Inspector Scott Fallis on the Local Policing Plan for 2023-2024 and commented on the challenges currently facing the PSNI.

Mary Lafferty, an award-winning Good Relations Ambassador from ERANO (Empowering Refugees and Newcomers Organization), gave an insight into their work advocating for individuals seeking asylum in the Fermanagh and Omagh area in order to foster a more diverse local community. Coordinators were given an insight into the lived experiences of people arriving in the district including their harrowing stories and the issues they face when arriving here.

Representatives from Shandon Park, Omagh shared how their community has collaborated with their local Neighbourhood Policing Team to address anti-social behaviour. Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Bridget Coleman spoke about how residents came together to develop the ‘Kindness Project’ to boost the community’s trust in policing while also engaging youths and curbing anti-social behaviour in their local area.

Chairperson of The Fermanagh & Omagh PCSP, Councillor Tommy Maguire, was thrilled with the success of the conference, stating “It was fantastic seeing so many people from different corners of our local community, from rural to urban areas, coming together to make our community safer. The conference was an excellent chance to showcase the unwavering efforts of our incredible Coordinators and strengthen the partnership between the PCSP, PSNI and Coordinators”.

If you are interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area, please contact the PCSP via email at pcsp@fermanaghomagh.com or telephone 0300 303 1777 for more information.