Jigsaw says connect with your neighbours these holidays

21 December 2011

Jigsaw says connect with your neighbours these holidays

The child abuse prevention network Jigsaw says reaching out to your neighbours this holiday season might save a child’s life.

Jigsaw’s vision is to encourage people from all walks of life to help nurture and protect our children, rather than rely on government and non-government agencies to intervene.

Jigsaw’s Chief Executive (Strategic Operations) Liz Kinley says the Christmas holiday season is a chance for people to make contact with their neighbours, even if they’ve never spoken to them before.

“Whether it’s offering to clear their mail or water their garden while they’re away, little things are the start to building better community relationships, where all children are looked out for.”

“Other ideas include taking around some food to share, or some Christmas treats you’ve made as you make your introduction. It’s often easier to make contact over Christmas as it’s a time of generosity and sharing,” Liz says.

One of Jigsaw’s main projects is to make it a normal part of everyday life for people to notice when children and families need extra help and offer support before problems escalate.

“But it’s difficult to do that if we don’t even know who our neighbours are, so we are trying to get people to connect with each other in positive ways.”

Liz Kinley says that child abuse is not going to be solved solely by government policy or changes to legislation; it’s about getting whole communities involved.

ENDS

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