Students should participate more in the Jesmond community to bridge the gap between the relationship of students and residents in the area, according to the chair of the Jesmond Residents Association – which has yet to fill its student ambassador posts this year.

Speaking with JesmondLocal at Jesmond’s monthly local food market, held on Armstrong Bridge, Kathleen Cunningham said that despite regularly liaising with local universities about issues surrounding anti-social behaviour there is still a lot of room to improve engagement.

“It’s not only in the student’s best interest to get involved so their point of view can be represented in local matters, but also the community provides support services that can offer help in matters or situations concerning the conditions of the properties students stay in in case they couldn’t find anyone else to turn to,” Cunningham said.

JesmondLocal reported last week on the squalid conditions some students face in rented properties, and Newcastle City Council’s plans to crack down on “rogue landlords”.

In terms of what could be done to get voices of students out in the community, Cunningham urges students to volunteer as the student representatives within the JRA.

In previous years two students have acted as representatives for the community on the JRA committee but as of now both positions have yet to be filled.

“We need someone who can bridge that gap between residents and students and we would much prefer it is a student,” she said.

The chair also suggest that they need help in teacher training programs which would help promote healthy eating along with getting involved with doing activities with kids.

The other front that also requires and needs the skills of students was IT. Cunningham is making a plea for students who have skills in IT to come forward and help them out with their webpage or social media platforms.

In return, the older members of the JRA would be happy to write students references and give accreditations for helping them which will help the students in their CV or portfolios. On top of that, she says membership of the JRA will allow students the chance to meet councilors or link in with other agencies.

However, the Chair’s and JRA’s invitation to newcomers to join the JRA also stretches beyond students.

As Cunningham puts it, “We are looking for more members and more diversities.

“This year we got better balance at male and female, and we welcome people of all ages and all groups and diversities into our committees because we want to represent the whole of Jesmond. I think it’s about getting out there and spreading the message.”

That includes the success of the local market. “You know”, she said, “we really wanted to have a community spirit, a real community feel to regenerate the market. With everyone having fun, having a sense of belonging to the community.”

Jesmond Residents Association hold meetings at 7:15pm in Royal British Legion on the first Wednesday of every month. Free drinks and food are included.

For more information to how get involved with the JRA visit the Facebook page or the webpage of the JRA.