Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. In the UK dial 08457 90 90 90, for the cost of a local call. In the Republic of Ireland dial 1850 60 90 90, for the cost of a local call.

We work closely with Warwick District Council on several local initiatives, Housing, Anti-Social Behaviour, Noise Pollution and Community Safety. If any member of the public needs to contact an officer from the council you can e mail or call them direct on the below details.

An independent service - Enabling people to make workable solutions in difficult situations. What is Mediation? Mediation is a way of resolving conflicts or disputes in which the people involved seek to find their own mutually agreed solutions to resolve the problem in a fair way with the help of the impartial mediators. When can mediation help? Any dispute, conflict, disagreement or difficult situation between two or more people can potentially be mediated. Some of the common causes of disputes that we have dealt with include noise, children’s behaviour, boundaries, communication breakdown, animals, upkeep of property / gardens and misunderstandings. What are the benefits of mediation? Mediation focuses on improving understanding and facilitating communication between people in conflict. It can help those involved gain a better appreciation of the issues, resulting in improved relationships between them. Mediation is a constructive and common sense approach which produces practical, workable and realistic solutions. Mediation is provided free to the general public and is a much quicker and a less stressful process than other options. It is less risky as parties only settle when they are satisfied with the agreement. This is unlike going to court where they take the risk of having the judge decide against them and losing their case.

Cranstoun Drug Services is a non profit, independent, registered charity, providing a range of specialist treatment and rehabilitation services in the community and in residential centres based on the cycle of change with the aim of reducing the impact and harm caused by drug use to individuals and communities. Services include

• Choosing to Change (group)
• Auricular Acupuncture
• Drop-in and Needle Exchange
• Structured Intervention Service (SIS) and Brief Interventions
• Assessments

Warwickshire Trading Standards helps protect consumers and offer you advice and information. We also assist traders to comply with the laws that affect their businesses and protect them from unfair and illegal competition. Telephone or email A consumer advice and information service is now provided by Consumer Direct West Midlands on behalf of Warwickshire Trading Standards. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities in the Central England region, and by The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

For any noise, pollution and waste issues. See their website for more information.

Kate Evans

From The National Neighbourhood Watch Mini Site.

Neighbourhood Watch (in some areas known as Home Watch), is one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention schemes ever. It is based on simple ideas and values that are shared by many people around the country:

'Getting together with your neighbours to reduce local crime and disorder in the bid to make your neighbourhood a safe and better place to live, work and play'.

Neighbourhood Watch is not just about reducing crime – it is about building community spirit and good relations. It brings local people closer together with common goals; to tackle crime and disorder and to keep an eye on each other's property.

There are also other benefits of joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. For example, you can learn more about crime prevention and home security which will help keep your home and belongings safe. You might also get a discount on your home insurance.

The aims of Neighbourhood Watch schemes are:
• To reduce the opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour to occur in your neighbourhood by deterring would-be burglars and vandals.
• To build a community spirit so that all residents can contribute towards the protection of their property through co-operation and communication.

Members of Watch schemes are not vigilantes. Patrolling the streets is a job for the police; they will act upon the information supplied by residents. Watch schemes are not police-run groups. However, in order to be effective in tackling crime, Watch schemes have to work in partnership with the police (and other agencies).

By letting the police know of anything suspicious that you see or hear, you are helping to reduce the opportunities for crime to occur. The more difficult it can be made for the criminal, the more likely it is that crime can be reduced.