Fighting to keep community spirit alive

One year on from the nation’s first lockdown one woman is fighting to keep Palmerston North’s community spirit alive.

Alison Jarden, the city’s Neighbourhood Support manager, was overwhelmed by the influx of interest in support networks last year when the first Covid-19 lockdown began on March 25, as many people discovered they were more isolated than they realised.

But quickly communities rallied together, and Jarden is focused on making sure the momentum isn’t lost as the dayto-day pressures of the pandemic appear to decline.

Knowing your neighbours is the best way to keep your community safe and yourself connected, especially during times of stress, Jarden said.

‘‘If you live in a community and don’t know anyone you can feel completely removed.

‘‘It’s about knowing people in your neighbourhood so if stuff happens you know who’s vulnerable, who needs help and who’s there to help you.

‘‘And people are connecting, we just want that to broaden.’’

Neighbourhood support networks also give your homes an extra eye of protection, she said.

Central District prevention manager Inspector Ross Grantham said communities that band together help to keep themselves safe.

To keep up the momentum, Jarden will be running a competition from March 20-30 encouraging communities to get to know their neighbours and celebrate Neighbours Day Aotearoa.

People who gather their closest five neighbours and send their details to Palmerston North Neighbourhood Support’s website could win a barbecue and meat pack to kick-start their new – or existing –support group with a street party.