

In 2007, Northwards Housing found a very exciting way of encouraging young people to look after their community and take pride in their environment - by launching the Junior Wardens Crew.
Kitted out by the Northwards Wardens with uniforms and equipment, the under-12s patrol their schools, play areas and communities. They stay alert for hazards and problems, and report them to a nominated teacher. It was the role of being the ‘eyes and ears’ of their school community which inspired them to adopt Seymour the Hawk as their own project mascot!
They encourage fellow pupils to think about their environment, e.g. by not using too much paper in classrooms or paper towels in toilets, and by turning off taps. They look out for lights that are on unnecessarily, and for open windows in rooms where the heating is on. They help the Northwards Wardens arrange and carry out litter-picks to keep their schools tidy and free from hazards.
The following schools take an active part in this exciting project and are looked after by their own Junior Wardens:
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In school:
The Northwards Junior Warden teams have been venturing out of their schools and keeping busy working in the community.
They have visited many of the Northwards sheltered accommodation blocks, and various other retirement schemes across north Manchester, and carried out environmental litter picks, swept pathways of leaves, served tea, coffee and biscuits and even acted as bingo callers!
This kind of intergenerational activity reaps huge benefits for everyone involved. The children gain a better knowledge of the service provided in a Northwards residential home and therefore come to respect the building as somebody’s home and not just a building on the estate. The residents said that they felt vibrant and lively after mixing with the youngsters.
It’s through this kind of interaction that we hope local schools will adopt sheltered blocks and care homes like these, and continue to visit the residents throughout the year to carry on the good work.