National Emergency Alert Test this Sunday

The UK government will be testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7th September at 3pm.

Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate, even if it’s set on silent. You won’t need to take any action.

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in an emergency. Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/alerts.

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Upcoming Neighbourhood Watch 2025 Conference

The conference will take online via Zoom on Wednesday 24th September 2025, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Whether you’re a member, volunteer or supporter, your contribution is at the heart of our work, and we would love for you to join us for the whole event or just the sessions that matter most to you.

This year’s conference highlights (sign up and attend when you wish):
• 10am – 11am – updates on the year so far, membership benefits and an exclusive look at our new five-year Neighbourhood Watch strategy starting 2026.
• 11am – 12pm – discover the direction that Neighbourhood Watch are taking over the next 5 years, how you are at the heart of it and listen to a guest speaker.
• 12pm – 1pm – listen to local volunteers stories from across the network and take part in a Q&A session with the Central Support Team.
• 1pm – 2pm – join in an interactive session where we explore what a good scheme looks like and how we can build strong relationships with police. Celebrate the 2025 Volunteer Recognition Award winners LIVE and listen to a round-up of the day.

Register your attendance here.

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Safety Tips for Students Heading Off to University

Safety is an important aspect of enjoying your time at university or college. Staying alert and being prepared helps create a more secure environment for all.

Location

Familiarise yourself with your new location to get a sense of where your accommodation is relative to the campus, local shops and nightlife venues. When you go out, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit streets, avoiding isolated areas.

Social media

Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts. Be mindful of what you post and who can see it. Avoid sharing personal information such as your home address or travel plans. Only accept friend requests from people you know.

Accommodation

Keep your doors and windows locked when not in your room or house share. And think about taking out student Insurance to cover your belongings in case of theft or damage.

Health

Look after yourself – mental health and self-care are as important as physical well-being. Register with a doctor and research the location of local hospitals just in case.

Nightlife

Stick with friends on nights out. Remember: there’s safety in numbers. Keep an eye on who’s getting the drinks in and don’t leave yours unattended. You should also plan ahead by researching the best way to get home before you go out.

Emergency contacts

Universities and colleges often have on-site security teams and fire wardens to respond to alerts and emergencies. Save their contact details to your phone so you can quickly notify them if there’s an issue.

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