New funding boost for Derbyshire's dedicated Neighbourhood Watch volunteers

Volunteer crime-fighters across Derbyshire are celebrating new funding grants from Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts in support of their efforts to make their communities safer.

As part of her commitment to strengthening community spirt and keeping the public at the heart of her safety work, the PCC has allocated grants to 10 Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the county to intensify recruitment activity and to promote their work.

The grants, announced during Volunteers Week 2025 (June 2-8), have been made through the PCC's 2025-26 Neighbourhood Watch Support Fund (NHWSF), with NHW groups sharing a total of £2,112. A further round of funding will take place later in the year, bringing the total fund to £5k for 2025-26.

Partnership working and collaboration is a key theme in the PCC's new Police and Crime Plan with the Commissioner recognising the vital role partners including local communities will play in the successful delivery of her Police and Crime Plan priorities.

As part of an unprecedented focus on collaborative working, the Commissioner has vowed to recognise and support the invaluable efforts of organisations like Neighbourhood Watch and seek out new and innovative projects to bring people together to address the issues that matter most to residents and businesses.

Among the beneficiaries in the first round of funding is Risley NHW group in Erewash which received a £250 grant to fund a new newsletter for all 350 residents in the area and a new Good Neighbour Award to recognise volunteers who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. 

Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: "I know how hard our Neighbourhood Watch volunteers work in Derbyshire to make their communities cleaner and safer and I am so proud to support their efforts through my Neighbourhood Watch Support Fund.

"From preventing isolation and protecting vulnerable residents through to communicating valuable intelligence to the police, Neighbourhood Watch volunteers make an invaluable contribution to our county by building resilience and preventing crime and I truly appreciate everything they do.

"There are no bounds to the power of community spirit in Derbyshire. It builds confidence, trust, cooperation and a sense of shared responsibility for public safety which is so important for reducing fear and making residents feel connected. This is why I will continue to do everything I can to increase opportunities for residents to become involved in Neighbourhood Watch, and indeed policing as a whole, throughout my term."

Fatima Eltinay, Chair of Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch, said: "The funding provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner is a vital investment in the safety and wellbeing of our communities. It empowers our dedicated Neighbourhood Watch volunteers across Derbyshire to strengthen local resilience, enhance community engagement, and work more effectively in partnership with the police to prevent crime and promote trust. This support makes a real difference on the ground."

To join NHW, please use this link.