When long-term pals, Paula and Maddie, sniff out even a whiff of trouble in their Housing for Older People Scheme in Clacton, they're on the case and on the phone to Eastlight without a moment's delay.
Paula and Maddie, who have been neighbours for several years, are always on hand to speak up for their neighbours whenever they need it. From raising heating and lift issues to keeping track of who is coming and going, they help their neighbours feel safe by liaising with Eastlight to get things sorted as quickly as possible.
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The duo call themselves the "Gangsta Grannies".
Paula as the “troublemaker” and Maddie as the “peacemaker” (their words, not ours).
Even during our visit to see the legendary pair, a neighbour tells them that his bike has just been stolen. Immediately, Paula and Maddie are offering advice to call the Police, to contact Eastlight and check CCTV. And this is just the tip of the iceberg for these two – they support their community to reduce anti-social behaviour, including social disagreements, whenever the opportunity arises.
“I do like living here, and when I report issues to Eastlight, it normally gets sorted. Our Neighbourhood Lead, Mavis, is a queen, and we’ve met other lovely Eastlight staff members too, including, Shirley, Kelly and Janette,” says Paula.
“I love Clacton. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. We have a little community in the scheme who go and see shows in Brentwood and Southend.”
Paula and Maddie’s neighbours have lovely things to say about them too. Peter describes Maddy as his angel: “She checks in on me and brings toast with homemade marmalade – she’s wonderful.”
Peter is also hoping Paula will once again make Christmas dinner, saying last year’s was “fantastic”, with several neighbours attending. Paula claims Peter did “a runner” when it came to helping with the washing up, but we don’t doubt she’ll lay on a good spread again this year!
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Are you experiencing anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is any action that causes harm, distress or alarm to others in the community. It can affect individuals, families and neighbourhoods, making it difficult for people to feel safe and enjoy their homes.
Here are just some examples of anti-social behaviour
- Hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic, like their race, religion, sexual orientation or disability. This is a hate crime - and a criminal offence
- Abusive or intimidating behaviour towards an individual or community
- Physical and sexual assault
- Regular loud and persistent noise
- Vandalism, arson and graffiti
- Illegal drug use or dealing
- Negative comments made on social media.
How to report
Be like Paula and Maddie, and report ASB or Hate Crime to Eastlight.
If a crime has been committed, please contact the Police immediately. Then send us the incident report number and the officer's name so we can contact them. We'll then work with you and the Police to agree the next steps.
