Most of us, from older generations, can tell stories about the mischief we got up to with the kids in our street, about the street being a playground, or a cricket pitch, about the times we went to the neighbours for help, and about the lifelong friendships that developed from the chance meeting when geography brought us together.

How many of you can still name the families on the streets where you grew up? We’d like to help you rekindle the neighbourhood spirit of times gone by.

As neighbours get to know one another through simple, regular, even irregular, social gatherings, they find common interests and concerns. People help one another, friendships may form, kids find playmates, matters affecting the area are shared, trust builds, and the group may take on projects of interest to members, utilising the many skills a neighbourhood brings together.

We use a ‘participation’ approach, where we give lots of ideas and encouragement, but we’ll only be involved when asked. After all, it’s your street.

We are looking for everyone wanting to connect with others in their street.

You can simply join the project or you could opt in to become a Street Curator and initiate Street Hearts in your street. Anyone with an interest in turning their street into a community can do this.

While one person may initiate, we encourage that person to find two or three neighbours to share the curating role when your street decides to hold gatherings or work on communal projects together.

To begin with it’s as easy as door knocking each of the houses in your street, and inviting them to be part of an activity, or to attend a gathering.

Start by talking with us and joining Street Hearts below and we’ll give you what you need, whatever it may be, including an invitation to adapt. We’ll be there if you need us.