MHA has joined a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and keep people in Monmouthshire safe.
Running from 18 – 24 November, ASB Awareness Week 2024 aims to encourage communities to take a stand against ASB and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events across the UK involving Councils, Police Forces, Housing Associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.
YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that almost 1 in 5 people have had to consider moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them; 1 in 10 have actually moved. Despite this, over half of those surveyed who were either a victim or witness of ASB did not report the ASB. This is what we aim to help and change. By creating awareness for ASB, we can encourage people to come forward to get the help they need.
We are urging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB. Incidents can be reported to the anti-social behaviour team at the local Council, or to the Police if people feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.
As a Housing Association, we have the safety of our tenants at the heart of our organisation and throughout the year we conduct a series of walk & talks throughout our communities, community clean-ups and join forces with our partners to host community drop-ins.
We are committed to taking clear steps to deal with anti-social behaviour, nuisance and harassment and take all reports ASB seriously. We encourage tenants who have experienced or witnessed ASB to report it to us, so we can help – we regularly receive positive feedback from those we have supported. One of our tenants recently complimented how brilliant the Community Safety Team has been in supporting her through a very tough time. She explained how she could not believe how supportive and accommodating they have been and to make her feel safer in her home and that they are a credit to MHA.
Similarly, another tenant thanked one of our Officers, saying that they were extremely grateful for their help and stated that they have improved his quality of life, and he can’t thank them enough. He wouldn’t know where he would be without their intervention.
Commenting, Sian Nicholas (Head of Neighbourhoods) said:
MHA takes ASB very seriously and is committed to working with tenants to ensure communities are safe and free from disturbance. As part of our commitment to keep our communities safe and vibrant the Neighbourhood Services team will have a regular presence in communities hosting “Walk and Talks”, community clean ups and working with partners to host community drop in’s.
MHA has a dedicated Community Safety Team who will work with tenants to investigate and resolve concerns ensuring they are supported and exploring solutions. If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, please get in touch with us.
Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve added:
ASB is not low-level. It can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.
It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.
We are delighted that Monmouthshire Housing Association is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.
For more information about ASB Awareness Week – visit www.resolveuk.org.uk
