Student Community Wardens

The students have been recruited by the Students’ Union for Falmouth University and the University of Exeter and the pilot programme is in partnership with the two universities.

Harry Bishop, Students’ Union President Community & Welfare said: “I strongly believe that a personal, face-to-face approach is the way forward and this new scheme will be proactive in removing these previous barriers between local and student residents.

"This will be an immensely positive step towards encouraging, and continuing to improve, community relations.”

After an intensive training programme, including a presence at the Falmouth ‘Community Awareness Visits’ (arranged by the universities), the wardens began their patrols on Monday.

The team will become familiar to residents in the coming week, particularly as they are wearing a green and grey uniform.

Three pairs of wardens have been employed to patrol some of the most densely populated student residential areas of Falmouth, with a particular focus on the Smithick Ward.

Their roles demonstrate a more visual and collaborative approach to community relations, continuing to promote and support students as active citizens.

It is hoped that the Student Community Warden Scheme will continue to encourage positive relationships between student and local residents, whilst also assisting the town council and other partners to improve the local environment and behaviour in residential areas.

The wardens will offer support and advice on everything from bin days to housing and being a good neighbour.

They will also be signposting to appropriate services, making sure residents have all of the information they need to get help and support.

The times in which the wardens work will vary to ensure they reach different residents.

It is hoped, pending its success, that the scheme will be expanded after its pilot year to include more areas within Falmouth and to also include Penryn and Mabe.