The team offer peer-to-peer support for livers-out and form part of our community liaison approach.

Working with Community Liaison Manager Hannah Shepherd, this year’s team of Student Community Wardens (SCWs) has been doubled from two student employees to four.

Since 2020, the SCW project has been an invaluable asset in the University’s approach to community relations. The Wardens work to five key themes: sustainability, information, community, housing, and recycling.

Part of the Wardens’ plan for this year is to start their own network of Street Champions. These volunteers will provide a link between student and non-student residents, increasing the face-to-face interaction that supports a positive community spirit.

Hannah, who works in the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Colleges & Student Experience, commented:

The University works with partners across the City to ensure that Durham is a safe, clean, green, and considerate place for those who live, work, study and visit here.

''Our SCWs are a key part of these efforts and now we have a team of four student employees, we can reach a greater number of livers-out and non-student residents. We are also better placed to provide a student perspective in fora such as the Durham University & Residents’ Forum.''

Meet the team

Kate

Hello, my name is Kate Jones, and I’m a Student Community Warden for the second year running!

I’m also in my second year of studying Law and really loving my time in Durham.

I’m passionate about the improvement of community relations in Durham and this year I’m hoping to continue all our work from last year towards achieving this, especially our Street Champion scheme, which we’re hoping to have up and running within the next few months with the help of the other Wardens.

We’re so lucky to be working in a place with such co-operative residents and resident groups, and we always appreciate their willingness to meet with us and pass on information and any issues we can assist with.

A larger team means a wider reach, and I’m so thrilled to be able to speak to so many students and non-students this year and help everyone to be happy and safe whilst living out in Durham.

Chloë

Hello! My name's Chloë and I am so excited to be a part of the Student Community Warden team this year. I applied for this role because I've noticed the lack of communication between students and local residents. I would love to help bridge this gap so we can all enjoy our beautiful city together.

As a Young Leader with Girl Guides, I hope my experiences as both a student and volunteer in the wider community will broaden my perspective on the role.

Over the next year, I’m excited to boost engagement with our social media platforms and utilise today's technology to further strengthen relations between the University and the local community.

Of course, I must add how excited I am to represent the team wearing our custom uniform out on the streets, actively advocating to create a better community for all.

We have many projects lined up, and I can't wait to get you involved as much as possible to make sure everyone has an equal say in the development of community relations in our future.

Rose

Hi, I’m Rose from St Chad’s College. I’m a second-year student doing Combined Honours in Social Sciences.

As an international student, I’m excited to work as a Student Community Warden this year to help students living out in Durham.

My own experience living out of college encouraged me to take this opportunity to know more about the housing situation and support the local community and students.

Becks

Hi, I’m Becks, a second-year student studying Politics, and I’m at Josephine Butler College!

I’m excited to be one of your Student Community Wardens this year and help fellow livers-out as well as local residents.

In my spare time, I’m also on the executive of Durham University Labour Club, and I’m a News Editor at the Palatinate student newspaper.

Find out more

• Follow the DU Student Community Wardens on Instagram: @durham_scws or Facebook @DUSCWS
• Email the SCWs or Hannah Shepherd at community.liaison@durham.ac.uk
• Find out more about the Street Champion volunteering opportunity here.