Everybody needs good neighbours

March 20, 2018

Neighbour Day (Sunday 25 March) is Australia’s annual celebration of community.  It helps us to build better relationships with the people who live around us, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Neighbours are important because good relationships with others can transform communities. Social connection also makes us feel better as it helps prevent loneliness, isolation and depression.

We’re wishing Foundation Housing tenant Shirley and her friends living in Claughton Way in Bassendean all the best with their get-together to celebrate Neighbour Day.

If you’d like to organise something for Neighbour Day visit this site for some great information http://neighbourday.org

Ten ways you can be neighbourly;

1. Start simply with a smile – this can lead to a friendly hello and conversation.
2. Share some home cooking as a welcome to a new neighbour or a friendly gesture to neighbours you already know.
3. Offer to bring in your neighbour’s bins or their mail when they go away.
4. Find a common interest – do you both have young children or pets? Are you into outdoor exercise? Arrange to go for a walk together or organise a playdate.
5. Invite a neighbour over for a cuppa or a barby – a good conversation starter is asking how long they have lived in the area.
6. Make a special effort to introduce yourself to older residents and anyone who lives alone. Leave them your mobile or home phone number for use in an emergency.
7. Be kind. Offer to help where you are able. Or offer a listening ear or friendly support.
8. Exchange phone numbers and let your neighbours know you are happy to be of assistance in case of emergency.
9. Organise a street clean-up or a ‘gardening bee’ with other neighbours.
10. Link people you know may appreciate each other’s company in your street, or in your neighbourhood. Communities need more people to make an effort to connect others.