Planning Your Community Safety Year
Planning ahead is important for any community safety organisation.
Some crime is seasonal, so forward planning can help you prepare to deal with it. For small or inexperienced organisations campaigning can also seem quite daunting and therefore national/international awareness or action days can be useful if incorporated into your organisation's work plan. By joining with others you can focus your activity and have a greater impact.
Depending on the aims of your organisation here are a few suggestions of important dates that could be incorporated into your new year's work plan.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans History Month
February 2010
LGBT History month celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. It is based on the successful Black History Month model and was first held in the UK in 2005. This year they will be attempting to beat the record 700 events held up and down the country last year.
The website provides tips and suggestions for those hoping to organize activities and lists events planned around the country.
To find details of these and more visit the website:
www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/
International Womens' Day
8th March 2010
International Women's Day has been celebrated every year since 1911. Each year on 8 March, hundreds of International Women's Day events occur all around the world. Events range from small random informal gatherings to large-scale highly organised events. All celebrate women's advancement and highlight the need for continued vigilance and action.
To find out more visit:
www.internationalwomensday.com/
Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month
June 2010
In 2008 the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) announced that the month of June will be Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month. This is an annual event.
Visit the Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month website for a wealth of information, details of how to get involved and to find out what's taking place this year. www.grthm.co.uk
Refugee Week
14th - 20th June 2010
Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and promotes understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary.
During Refugee Week hundreds of events exploring refugee experiences take place across the UK. These range from small community and school activities to art exhibitions, political debates, film screenings, conferences, big music festivals, sports events etc. Anyone can get involved in Refugee Week either by organising or visiting an event or by just spreading the word.
To find out more about this year's event visit the dedicated website at:
www.refugeeweek.org.uk/
6 Week School Summer Holiday
Late July - Early September 2010
Although the exact dates of the school summer holidays may vary from borough to borough this time is traditionally associated with higher rates of youth crime and anti-social behaviour. Therefore it is also a time when many diversionary activities such as summer play schemes and sports courses take place. If you work with children and young people why not consider running a summer scheme?
London Week of Peace
19th - 26th September 2010
London Week of Peace is an annual week of high profile events, initiatives and action organised principally by communities and individuals but also engaging organisations, businesses and public agencies, to promote greater community cohesion, safety and peace across the capital.
You can find out more by visiting:
www.weekofpeace.org.uk/ or www.peacealliance.org.uk/
Black History Month
October 2010
Black History Month has been celebrated across the UK every October for over 30 years. Black History Month is a time when the achievements of the black community are highlighted and celebrated.
Comprehensive event listings and ideas on how to get involved can be found on the website at:
www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk/
Make A Difference Day
30th October 2010
CSV Make a Difference Day is the UK's biggest day of 'hands-on' volunteering, the only campaign that asks people to give time, not money.
There are many opportunities to join in as a volunteer on existing events or to organise your own activities.
To keep updated you can sign up to the e-newsletter by visiting the website at:
http://www.csv.org.uk/campaigns/csv-make-difference-day
Halloween
31st October 2010
Halloween is a time of the year when youth anti-social behaviour can be at its peak. Many members of the community find the 'trick or treating' and associated behaviour quite intimidating. If you work with young people have you considered running diversionary activities? If you work with vulnerable members of the community is there anything that you can do to offer extra reassurance and support?
Bonfire Night
5th of November 2010
Along with Halloween, Bonfire Night is another time when anti-social behaviour is at a peak. It is an extremely busy time for the emergency services with many firework related accidents occurring. Can your group consider running diversionary activities or doing some educational work to get the safety messages across?
National Anti-Bullying Week
15th - 19th November 2010
This years theme for anti-bullying week is "Cyberbullying".
For more information and to find out how to get involved visit the Anti-Bullying Week website: www.antibullyingweek.co.uk
World Aids Day
1st December 2010
World AIDS Day is an opportunity to bring people together to get talking about HIV. Events are held around the UK and there are many opportunities to contribute and get involved.
Visit the website for more information at:
www.worldaidsday.org
If there are any dates of significance or events of importance that you think we have missed out and that you would like to see added to the calendar please email details in to csas@alt.org.uk
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