Success stories: King's Lynn

Wherry Housing Association has successfully helped residents in King’s Lynn solve problems with anti-social behaviour.

Wherry worked with residents who had problems with youths damaging parts of their estate and playing football in car parks. Mr and Mrs E contacted the neighbourhood officer at Wherry to see what could be done about the problem. Wherry interviewed other residents living on the estate and found they were also worried about vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

They decided that something needed to be done to make the residents’ lives better and improve relationships in the community. The neighbourhood officer made regular visits to meet with residents to talk about issues and try and find solutions to the problems.

A newsletter was sent to residents giving up-to-date information about how issues were being dealt with.

Wherry also spoke with the youths on the estate to find out why they were behaving in an anti-social way and if Wherry could help. It was found that many of them didn’t have much to do, especially during the school holidays.

The team at Wherry worked with the King’s Lynn youth council to set up activities during the school holidays. These included sports and educational activities run by qualified coaches.

A community warden covering the King’s Lynn area was also brought in. The warden continues to monitor anti-social behaviour and supports residents in the community.

Wherry, the residents and the youth worked together to make life better for the community and it truly has made a difference.