Introducing Bernard Cartwright from Rushall, Shelfield, Pelsall & Brownhills (RSPB) Neighbourhood Watch (NW), Inspirational Individuals Award Winner
Why do you love what you do?
Serving our local community in crime prevention and giving reassurance to victims of crime, especially the aged and not so fortunate. I value that we can give them peace of mind.
What is your proudest moment from the work you’ve done in your community?
Giving a Neighbourhood Watch talk to respected councillors and Home Secretary, Priti Patel, in Walsall - a sheer delight and personal inspiration!
The Awards are about bringing people together, can you tell us about some of the great things that are happening to bring people together in your community? What would you like to see in Walsall to support people from different backgrounds and areas to come together?
We have been encouraging junior sections of Neighbourhood Watch and engaging school youngsters to liaise with us and local police beat teams. This has removed barriers between us/them and local police. We do this along with security bike marking, which is quite successful within our areas. To create more opportunities, more funding for youth activities is essential to keep them interested and occupied in activities such as sports and arts & crafts. Giving them a sense of purpose in life for the future.
What is your vision for Walsall over the next five years, especially within your sector? What would need to happen and what support would be needed to make that a reality?
Encourage sports, arts and crafts; at school teaching community spirit, respect and camaraderie amongst each and everyone in our community. It works with effort.
What are you most looking forward to doing post-COVID-19?
Everyone pulling together, being sensible and hopefully back to, or near to, normal. Let's give it a go now!