Reducing loneliness and vulnerability is key to cutting crime

This World Mental Health Day, we are keen to raise awareness of the importance of reducing loneliness and vulnerability in crime prevention work.

Our partner, Neighbourhood Watch, knows that tackling loneliness and vulnerability, as well as youth isolation, can be beneficial in both preventing someone from becoming a victim of crime or from being drawn into becoming a criminal themselves. 

Reducing loneliness and vulnerability is key

“Social isolation and loneliness can be a factor in making older people more vulnerable to a range of problems, from health issues to becoming a victim of crime, abuse or exploitation.”                      

Neighbourhood Watch

However, loneliness is not just prevalent in older people – loneliness, vulnerability and isolation can occur at any age.

How you can get involved and support your community

If you’re looking for ways to improve your community environment and wellbeing, Neighbourhood Watch suggest some events and activities on their website here. These include a ‘Time to Talk Day’ which encourages community conversations about mental health and an idea to ‘Set up a Calling Tree’ to help reduce isolation and keep your community connected. 

Many of our Crimestoppers volunteers also volunteer for Neighbourhood Watch and find value in raising awareness of crimes and supporting their community whilst providing people with a safe way to report crime, 100% anonymously, through Crimestoppers.

“As chair for both Crimestoppers in Kent and Kent Neighbourhood Watch Association, I see first hand how, by tackling loneliness and improving people’s mental health and sense of wellbeing, we also support crime prevention and help to keep our communities safe."

Peter Rolington

Interested in volunteering for Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch? Click the links below to find out more:

Volunteer for Crimestoppers

Volunteer for Neighbourhood Watch