Students at the University of Sussex will be visiting residents in three Brighton neighbourhoods as part of a new scheme launched this month.
The community ambassador scheme involves Sussex students speaking to residents in the Moulsecoomb, Bevendean and Coldean areas of the city.
More than 20 students will work as community ambassadors, providing information about services at Sussex such as the community feedback service, and highlighting local projects that residents can get involved in.
Apart from talking to locals and their families, the ambassadors will also give advice to student residents to help them settle into their neighbourhoods, as well as encouraging them to contribute to their local communities.
Dean Spears, head of housing services, said: “This scheme is a brilliant way for us to strengthen our connections with local communities in Brighton, by providing helpful information and a listening ear to residents.
“Our students already make a significant contribution to the city, through volunteering at organisations across Brighton and Hove and working, but we also aim to ensure they are good neighbours during their time at the university.”
Carla, a first-year undergraduate studying politics, said: “I signed up as a community ambassador because I want to promote friendly interactions between neighbours within the community, and to inspire people to be the change they want to see.”
Felicia, a second-year undergraduate studying international business, added: “I wanted to give something back to our local community, to let them know that the university is there for both students and longer-term residents.”
The community ambassador scheme will be running until 30 June, and students are expected to meet with over 7,000 residents in this time. Following this, the university will be assessing the long-term opportunities for the scheme.
