Our News August 2026 - free training, tickets and a new podcast episode.

Hello Neighbours, 

August is here. Normally I’d probably post about holidays, but there have been so many updates about wildfires threatening communities in Suffolk, Essex and London. We shared information on our social channels about preventing and reporting wildfires – you can also find details on our website.  

Highlights this month

Free online retail crime training module launched

Retail crime continues to affect businesses of every size, impacting not only financial losses but also the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers. To address the problem, we’ve launched a new Retail Crime module as part of our free Neighbourhood Safety Training programme. It has been developed to help business and shop owners and their staff. Find out more and sign up here. 

 

New podcast episode available now

Absolute Radio host Andy Bush's parents thought they were investing in a legitimate scheme endorsed by Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert. The horrible truth was they were being scammed. Find out how this sophisticated deception took place, listen and subscribe for free here. If you are deaf or have hearing loss we also have a transcription of the episode on our website. 

And please remember Martin Lewis does not recommend specific investments or crypto schemes online, and any online ad claiming he does is a scam. 

The squeezed middle: How Is Everything Safe helps families navigate everyday life

Many of us will be, or know a family member who is, caught in the "squeezed middle", supporting ageing parents, raising increasingly independent children, managing demanding careers and somehow keeping everyday life running smoothly. But what happens when the one person holding all the family's important information isn't available? 

This thought-provoking article (here) explores the hidden family load carried by millions of households and how Is Everything Safe helps create a secure, shared safety net that brings reassurance, resilience and peace of mind when it's needed most. Our partnership with Is Everyone Safe, announced last month, provides every one of our supporters with a year one subscription discount here. (Ad) 

Bystander training success in London 

Thanks to funding from City Bridge Foundation, Neighbourhood Watch Network delivered a programme of free events to equip Londoners with the confidence and practical skills to be active bystanders. The project was adapted from an original youth leadership initiative to meet emerging community needs. Find out more about the impact of the project here. 

Community focus - Luton Neighbourhood Watch

A new Neighbourhood Watch Association in Luton is looking for community volunteers to help build its network as the group starts up again in the town. Dr Mohammad Alramahi, law lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, who has been a coordinator for nearly six years, said: “We’re really passionate to give back to the community, and make sure we have such an amazing badge in our streets in Luton to make it more peaceful and reassure residents.” Read the full story on the Luton Today website. 

Neighbourhood officers increase by 22%

Government data shows that the number of neighbourhood officers has increased by 22.2% since March 2025. Through the Neighbourhood Policing Grant, £200 million was allocated in 2025/26 to kickstart delivery, supporting forces across England and Wales to grow neighbourhood policing teams and get more officers back on the beat. The official reporting on the stats can be found here.

Get two free tickets for the Homebuilding & Renovating show

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the event for anyone who has a home project, big or small.  Brought to you by leading Homebuilding & Renovating experts, the show can provide you with free expert advice, inspiring sessions and access to hundreds of brands all under one roof. There are shows around the country, and you can claim two free tickets worth £36 here. 

We won’t have a second edition of the newsletter this month as I’m off for a couple of weeks. I hope you stay safe and cool. See you in September! 

Best wishes

Charmian