What memories have you of your childhood?
Did you grow up surrounded by family, friends, other children, or alone? Of E Nesbit's 'The Story of the Treasure Seekers', were you Dora, Oswald, Dicky, Alice or Noel, or the youngest, Horace Octavius? (If you haven't read this classic - you should, whatever your age).
More to the point, did your parents send you out to play; and if so, what memories do you have of playing in your street?
As you can tell, this is another blog dealing with the issue of 'community'. Here in Darlington, as elsewhere in Britain, children are growing up without experiencing being part of a local community. Arriving home from school, children face the trials and distractions of homework, television and the internet, laminated to the protective parent who sees risks around every corner. It is now quite possible for a child to spend a whole 16 hours per day in their home.
The long summer holiday is now at hand - for some, arrived already. Six to seven weeks of home life, perhaps with the two week interregnum of a family holiday away. As an adult, six weeks passes in a blink; for children, it stretches almost to infinity.
Providing for local children is not just the responsibility of parents. It is a community deal. We 'pay back' for the freedom of our own childhood by making a safe, interesting and accommodating community. Those of us with time to spare should alocate part of it to this end.
So, what can you do for your junior community? Here in our well-organised South Terrace we have been addressing this issue. And this is what we have come up with. For those with other ideas, please add your comments to this blog, or for South Terrace residents, visit our closed Facebook group to add your thoughts.
1. Safety First
We know the risks for children, just as increasingly children know the risks themselves. But vigilance is key to their protection. Whilst South Terrace 'bookends' of nos 22 and 8 and 9 provide a high level of oversight, all residents should be ready and prepared to pop out of their home to observe and report the persistent presence of strangers, or to raise any issue concerning traffic and risk. Additionally, we are incepting a 'Mobile contact list' to enable instant messages to and from all residents.
2. Get to Know
It is one thing being active in street affairs, but another to get to know your community's children by name - who is who, and where they live. The benefits are exponential. We get to know our community's children, and they get to know us. Remember that protection is a 'two-way-street' when socially aware children look out for their own community.
3. Join In
With the closure yesterday of South Terrrace back lane west, South Terrace's Junior Team took charge of moving resident's bins for collection. It was gratifying to see the collection of parents and others who joined the event, some as organisers, others simply as observing supporters. Over the next few weeks we shall be arranging a series of events for children, and ask that as many residents as possible participate.
4. Creative Thinking
Fresh ideas are always welcome, without them we will simply repeat the tried and tested events. We are looking for a range of new activities and projects that will hold the interest of 4-11 years olds. Add your ideas to the comment section below.
Research shows that people who live within the embrace of a local community are safer, enjoy better physical and mental health, and are happier. So, what is stopping you enjoying the benefits of being a part of your community?
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