York Streetwise scheme launched

Posted on 1 October 2018

Community marshals will be taking to the streets of York for two nights a week offering help and support to students and members of the public walking home late at night.

The Streetwise team. Pic Credit: Alex Holland

The York Streetwise scheme will see mixed gender pairs operating in residential areas of the city on Sunday and Wednesday nights, offering a reassuring presence between 10pm and 4am.

The scheme is funded by the University with First York and Student Roost accommodation provider, but is delivered by the students’ union (YUSU) who train and support the team.

Support

The initiative is also supported by York St John University, North Yorkshire Police and the City of York Council.

The marshals will be visible in parts of Heslington Village, Badger Hill and the Newland Park Drive areas, helping people get home safely, offering advice on support services and encouraging responsible behaviour late at night.

The pilot project has been established in response to feedback from students and local residents, and has been launched to coincide with the start of the new academic year and the arrival of new students to the city.

Four marshals have been recruited for the scheme which will run as a trial until December 2018. The scheme builds on similar projects operating at several other universities.

Community

Jo Horsburgh, Registrar and Secretary at the University of York said: "The University has been part of the community since 1963 and we take our civic responsibilities seriously.

“We know that our students very much enjoy being part of the local community and have an important role in maintaining and promoting positive community relationships.

“We believe the Streetwise scheme will provide additional help and support for our student community late at night and demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership with our students, staff and local residents.”

Cllr Helen Douglas, executive member for housing and community safety at City of York Council, said: “This is a great partnership working to help ensure night-time safety and neighbourly behaviour. I welcome this pilot project and hope local people, as well as new and existing students, benefit from it.”