22 March 2013

Neighbour Day - 31 March 2013


Participate in Neighbour Day by saying “hello” to your neighbour on Sunday 31 March.

Do you know who lives next door to you? Might they need a hand occasionally because they are elderly, or a single parent, or have a disability, or is English their second language, or do they live on their own or are they simply new to the area?
Neighbour Day was established in 2003 in response to press coverage of the death of an elderly woman in her home that went unnoticed for two years. It has been promoted by its founder, Andrew Heslop, ever since with a simple aim to encourage everyone to have better relationships with the people next door and across the street.
Neighbour Day aims to:
  1. Strengthen communities and build better relationships with the people who live around us.
  2. Create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns.
  3. Promote tolerance, respect and understanding.
  4. Break down community barriers.
  5. Protect the elderly, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.
The Neighbour Day website and founder promotes an emphasis on individual responsibility to care for the people beside, behind and in front of their houses.
So, what can we do?
Knock on your neighbour's door, say “Hi” over the fence, ask them round for lunch, offer to help out with the shopping, host a barbeque for the street or do something similar. Swap telephone numbers so you can assist in an emergency.
A comprehensive set of resources including a free neighbour Day kit can be found on the website, http://www.neighbourday.org/.
For general enquiries about Neighbour Day please contact Matthew Ives, Cultural Development Coordinator 8372 5134 or mives@unley.sa.gov.au.

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