Members of communities throughout the district came together today to learn how to support vulnerable people in their local area and spot the signs of suspicious behaviour.

The East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership held a Community Eyes and Ears convention on Thursday 24th October at Ely Cathedral.

The event included speeches from the Lord-Lieutenant’s representative, The Hon. Frances Stanley DL, and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Jason Ablewhite. There was also a performance by Infusion Physical Theatre.

Councillor Lis Every, district councillor for East Cambridgeshire District Council, who was one of the speakers at today’s event said: “This was a marvellous convention which brought together a range of people from the community, because after all, this is a subject which we all can support. The mix of attendees just shows how important this is for all involved and how we can look out for our most vulnerable when we work together.”

East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) plays an active role in the East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership alongside other organisations including the police, county council, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, NHS and the National Probation Trust.

Councillor David Ambrose Smith, Chairman of ECDC’s Operational Services Committee, said: “East Cambs Community Safety Partnership’s Eyes and Ears campaign has come on leaps and bounds since its launch one year ago. Organisations that form the partnership have really embraced working together to try and inform local communities about the signs they should look out for within their neighbourhoods.
“We have ambitious plans over the next twelve months to take this to the next step. This includes bolstering the training we give residents, so they can become an Eyes and Ears Champion.”

Kevin Napier, Chair of the East Cambs Community Safety Partnership and Group Commander at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue said: “Year after year the concept of Eyes and Ears progresses in its evolution.
“It’s an opportunity for our communities to understand the harmful elements in their lives but more importantly, to be signposted to refer and report such illegal activities.

“In recognising the further development of the Eyes and Ears brand, we were reminded of the exposure to sexual exploitation through and excellent and powerful performance from the Infusion Theatre Company. Unfortunately such exploitation takes its place aside many other illegitimate activities which pose a threat to our everyone if not our most vulnerable communities.

“In gathering momentum, Eyes and Ears is getting widely recognised and adopted throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and it is now even receiving interest from neighbouring counties. The concept of Eyes and Ears has no boundaries and with its unique and easy to understand presentation, can be something that has an opportunity to be introduced across the United Kingdom”

For further information about Eyes and Ears, email eyesandears@eastcambs.gov.uk