GETTING STARTED

Suggestions for starting a street community

Recruit at least one other person on your street to help coordinate.
Familarise yourself with the latest government and NHS health advice.
Define the “street” you’re looking after:
- Is it the whole street, or part of a street?
- Is it a block, or floor, in a set of flats?
- If your street is short, would you coordinate two?
Decide how you’re going to connect your neighbours:
- WhatsApp, Facebook group (open or closed), or email group?
- Make sure more than one person has administrative rights, in case you get sick or need a break!
- Some neighbours will not have access to social media, apps or internet. Consider how to link these neighbours with the larger group.
Drop a letter or leaflet to everyone on your street, with your contact details and an invitation to join in. Handwritten notes are often well-recieved. You might also use a template like these:
- Here’s a letter template - make a copy.
- Here’s a leaflet template - download a copy.
- Be safe: Click here for info about how to leaflet safely.

Remember: You are not responsible for everyone on your street. You are a catalyst to help them help each other!

Take time to think about how to protect your neighbours. Here are some resources to help:
- Data protection
- Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

What kind of atmosphere do you want to see in your street and group?
What ground rules or values will help you maintain that? You may need to post these in the group description, or share them multiple times as new users join.

Once you’re up and running, check out our resources page for ideas on how to develop your community!