Meet our Neighbourhood Warden Team Leader

Neighbourhood Wardens are a familiar presence across Horsham District, working with residents, local organisations, Sussex Police and partner agencies to tackle community issues, support vulnerable people and help create safer, stronger neighbourhoods.

We spoke to Ross, Team Leader for Horsham District's Neighbourhood Wardens (pictured above with Carol from the Pulborough team), to find out more about the service and the difference it makes locally.

How many Neighbourhood Warden schemes are there?

We manage seven schemes, with Wardens working in pairs across Ashington, Billingshurst, Horsham Town, Pulborough, Southwater, Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding, and Storrington and Sullington.

All the teams are unique and work to the priorities set by parish councils who host the wardens.

What projects have wardens been involved in?

Stay and Play Storrington, a weekly free soft play area held in partnership with the Chanctonbury Leisure Centre gives young people an opportunity to play and parents a chance to chat.

Brick Club Ashington monthly event keeps young ones occupied whilst the wardens chat with carers about matters causing issues within the community.

Pulborough sports sessions offer a free opportunity for young people to play a range of sports activities across the summer school holidays.

Dungeons & Dragons clubs held across a number of areas, are very popular with a diverse range of young people.

Billingshurst youth club, set up in partnership with the Billingshurst Parish Council and a youth worker, for young people to meet and chat with the Wardens.

Chapel Corner Gardens is along-term project involving Wardens, the church, Billingshurst Parish Council and Inglefield Manor School, clearing and developing a green space within the grounds of Trinity United Reformed Church.

Southwater, Operation Jingle Bells, in partnership with Santa and Southwater Parish Council delivers surprise gifts to deserving local children.

Why are partnerships important?

Through the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership, our wardens work closely with Sussex Police, health partners, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, schools, councils, housing providers and other agencies.

These partnerships help ensure residents get the right support at the right time, while allowing local issues to be identified and addressed before they escalate.

How can residents meet their local Wardens?

Keep an eye out on social media and our Neighbourhood Wardens web pages.  Many of our events are free and provide an excellent opportunity to meet the team in your area.