Mile Cross Good Neighbour Scheme

Who We Are

Mile Cross Good Neighbour Scheme is a community organisation founded by Catherine Dougherty, who believes that no one in Mile Cross should feel isolated, unsupported, or unsafe. We bring neighbourliness to life through practical help, friendly connections, watchful care, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community.

Our volunteers are everyday people who give their time to make life a little easier for others and to help keep our neighbourhood secure. Whether someone needs help occasionally or more regularly, we’re here to ensure that everyone in Mile Cross can enjoy a better quality of life and feel safe as part of a caring, resilient community.

What We Do

Mile Cross Good Neighbour & Neighbourhood Watch Scheme offers simple, practical support that makes a real difference, including:

• Friendly check‑ins and social connection
• Help with small day‑to‑day tasks
• Support for residents who may be lonely, isolated, or facing challenges
• Signposting to trusted local services and community groups
• Sharing safety tips, local observations, and ways to report concerns to prevent issues early
• Encouraging independence, confidence, and community belonging

Rooted in Norfolk’s celebrated approach to Good Neighbour Schemes, we champion the simple power of neighbourliness to reduce isolation, promote lasting independence, and cultivate resilient neighbourhoods where people look out for one another with kindness and awareness.

Why We Exist

Good Neighbour Schemes across Norfolk have grown rapidly in recent years, especially as communities recognised the importance of looking out for one another. Mile Cross is a proud, diverse, and historic estate, and our combined scheme exists to build on that strength by uniting neighbourly support with proactive neighbourhood watch efforts.

We aim to:

• Create a safer, more connected neighbourhood
• Ensure no resident feels alone or unsupported
• Build resilience by empowering local people to help one another
• Help residents look out for suspicious activity or vulnerabilities
• Celebrate the spirit of community that makes Mile Cross unique

What Being a Good Neighbour Means

Across Norfolk, volunteers describe Good Neighbour Schemes as rewarding, confidence‑building, and deeply meaningful. They speak of the joy of giving back, the pride in supporting their community, and the reassurance that no one is left behind.

Those same values guide Mile Cross Good Neighbour Scheme. We believe that:

• Kindness is powerful
• Small acts make big differences
• Community is built through connection and awareness
• Everyone has something to offer
• Everyone has something to offer, whether through practical help or simply keeping an eye out

Our Vision for Mile Cross

We are working toward a neighbourhood where:

• People know and trust their neighbours
• Support is easy to access and free of judgment
• Vulnerable residents feel safe and included
• Community pride is visible and shared
• Local people shape the future of their estate through both caring actions and collective vigilance