Community Wardens in the Chichester District are celebrating 20 years of supporting residents. They started in 2005 as a two-year pilot programme to help community development and link to key services such as the Police.
Over the past two decades, the wardens have played a key role in bringing their communities together, helping to deal with environmental issues, working with services to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
The team currently consists of Jon, Community Warden for Chichester East; Carol, Community Warden for Chichester South; Sue, Community Warden for Chichester West; Dawn, Community Warden for The Witterings and Bracklesham; Rich, Community Warden for Selsey; Jimmy, Community Warden for Tangmere and Oving, and Barry who has recently joined as Community Warden for Chichester city centre.
During this time, the wardens have worked within their communities on a wide range of projects, from a nationally recognised junior wardens programme which was led by Sue and was recognised by the then Home Secretary, through to more recent projects such as the installation of key safes to support vulnerable people in Selsey, and a campaign that aims to help protect people from scams.
Due to the nature of their role, the wardens have helped residents on a wide range of issues and every day brings something different. The wardens, whose backgrounds range from working for the police and security focused jobs, through to retail, hospitality, and teaching, find that their previous work experience has helped them to deal with the various problems and issues they are asked to help with.
Carol, who has been a Community Warden for 19 years, says: “We always set out to do the best we can and help where possible. No matter what the issue is, it’s always very fulfilling when we can help a resident reach a solution or resolve an issue. Quite often though, we find people just want to talk with us and be heard.”
Councillor Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, says “We are so grateful and proud of the amazing work our Community Wardens do for our communities – as well as everything they have achieved over the past 20 years! Their work plays a vital role in the communities in which they work – from helping residents to access support, through to helping them feel safe and reassured in their communities. I would personally like to say a huge thank you to all of them for the difference that they make!”
Police dispersal order issued in Chichester
Dangerous driver sentenced for travelling wrong way on A24
Council make Stubbington Study Centre asset of community value
West Sussex County Council backs national campaign to tackle food waste
Severe Weather Protocol activated in Arun and other areas on the South
Portsmouth Water is investing £377M into safeguarding our water supplies
A consultation has been launched in Portsmouth to help the council set its vision for trees
West Sussex schools grant overspend
Chichester Police warn about sharing video of incident
Councils in the South preparing next steps in devolution
On Air