London Block Parent Program Shutting Down

I'm extremely disappointed in today's news that the London chapter of the Block parent program- including the walking school bus and education programs have failed to secure funding and will be closing.

Growing up in London, we were always told as children, that a Block Parent sign was a safe haven on our way home.

If we hurt ourselves, had an emergency, were uncomfortable with people around us or were being followed by a bully- we could find a safe place.

Did the program meet the needs of children in 2016? In the press release on the Block Parent website, it indicated that declining enrollment (from the 1000's to the 100's) was a warning sign that the program would not be sustainable.

Unfortunately, from my perspective, 100 homes peppered through the city simply isn't enough to provide a safe space for the thousands of children who are walking through all of London's varied neighbourhoods and subdivisions.

The formalized nature of the program, requiring screening and education for those who joined was paramount to ensuring the right people joined, but also likely was a barrier that kept many from being able to as well.

I'd also guess that compared to when the program launched, more and more families simply aren't home during the hours when children would be walking to and from school.

Neighbourhood schools in 2016 look a lot different than 50 years ago. Neighbourhood schools are increasingly becoming fragmented into multiple school systems, with staggered start times, and buses going all over the city.

Many children are using technology like cell phones to give a better sense of security as they walk to and from school.

How do we build a sense of community and provide our children with the resources and spaces they need to avoid conflict and make safe choices on where to go to seek help when they need it?

Perhaps communities need to address this issue in a grassroots manner and figure out how to help children in THEIR community get to and from school safely.

Some of the ideas we can take from this program wouldn't be hard to implement in a grassroots manner: free drop in after school programs in community spaces, community run "walking school buses", and taking the time and initiative to help neighbours get to know each other.

It's always unfortunate to see programs and services we have come to know no longer operate, but this is also an opportunity to take control of the future of safer neighbourhoods and I would love to hear your thoughts on how we can support safe neighbourhoods and school zones at a community level in London. Please feel free to share.

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