This website was last updated in 2004 - it remains here for reference
Community
Tree Wardens | Street Watchers | Independent Custody Visitors | Special Constable | Leyton CIU Club | Volunteer for SenseGet involved in your community. Here are some ways in which you can make a difference.
Tree Warden Scheme
|
Waltham Forest runs a
tree warden scheme for volunteers. Training is given on 7 Saturdays
a year on topics such as tree law, pests and disease, and tree identification.
The lecture is then followed by a practical session in Lloyd Park. There
are also outings to places such as Kew Gardens and City of London Cemetery. |
Tree wardens examine a Chinese Ash at the City of London Cemetery,
Manor Park |
For information on other Green volunteer groups, see Waltham Forest's website.
Streetwatcher Scheme
Waltham Forest runs a Streetwatcher scheme, where volunteers act as the eyes of the Council while going about their daily business. Through the CLARENCE phoneline, Streetwatchers report issues such as dumped rubbish, overhanging vegetation and faulty streetlights. Training takes place every few months, in both daytime and evening sessions. There are currently around 40 streetwatchers in the Leyton area. For more information contact Lisa Ball via the CLARENCE number, 0800 23 23 23.
Members of the public are of course welcome to report street issues in the Borough via this hotline at any time.
Independent Custody Visitors
Independent custody visitors are members of the local community who visit police stations unannounced to check on the welfare of people in police custody. Independent visiting schemes were set up as a result of recommendations in the Scarman Report on the riots that took place in Brixton late in 1981. Following pilot schemes in Lambeth and some provincial police forces, schemes were introduced across the country in 1986. Independent visiting is now well established and plays a valuable role in maintaining public confidence in policing and in supporting the monitoring role of the Police Authority.
Independent Custody Visitors are ordinary people from a variety of different backgrounds and ethnic origins. Residents of Leyton who are over the age of 18 and of good character are likely to be approved.
After certification by the Metropolitan Police Authority, a Visitor begins his or her training "on the job" and later in a session held for the purpose. Duties of a Visitor are to make one to two visits every 6 weeks and attend a meeting of the Panel. Visits are always made in pairs. During a visit members of the Panel interview detainees in a borough police station to ensure that the basic provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act are being fulfilled. A report is filed for each visit. Copies go to the Panel and to an officer of the MPA who meets with the Panel to discuss outstanding problems.
Joining the ICV is a way to make a difference in the overall quality of life in our community.
If you are interested please contact
David Knight, Room 223, Town Hall, London, E17 4JF. Tel: 020 8496 4736 Fax: 020 8496 4504 davidj.knight@ce.lbwf.gov.uk.
Special Constable
You have probably heard of Special Constables, who give 8 hours a month to work as a Police Officer. There are also Community Specials who are Special Constables working only in their local community. The idea is that they will then become a recognisable face, and because they are familiar with the area they are in a better position to help. For information on the Specials see The Met's website and make sure you highlight "community special" if you decide to apply.
Leyton CIU Club - Grove House
Grove House club can be found at 452 High Road Leyton. They meet several times a week and everyone is welcome. Events include:
- Tuesday - Pensioners' evening
- Thursday - Bingo, raffle, background music
- Friday - Bingo, raffle, background music
- Saturday - Live music
- Sunday - Entertainments e.g. comedian
Volunteer for Sense
Sense began in 1955 as a self-help group for parents of deafblind children, with assets of just £2.25. Today Sense is the leading charity in the UK offering lifelong advice, support, education and practical help to deafblind people and their families. With your help we can do so much more. If you can spare some time why not volunteer at the Sense Charity Shop, 585 Leabridge Road, Leyton London E10 6AJ. There are a wide range of activities you could help us with. To learn more about our exciting volunteering opportunities, then please call into the shop or telephone the Manager on 020 85215077.
If your group would like to be featured here, please get in touch.
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