Words by Anushka Naidoo

Today see’s Bournemouth University Student Union launching their ‘SSHH’ campaign, with students and staff litter picking on Frederica Road.

Just under a quarter of all noise complaints in the local communities around Bournemouth University have been related to students. Noise abatement notices have been served since September of 2011 to student houses, the biggest concentration of these being in Winton, and resulting in the confiscation of all sound making equipment from the houses. With these latest statistics in mind, Bournemouth University’s Student Union (SUBU) has decided to launch a campaign called SSHH.

Toby Horner, President of SUBU explained: “The campaign has two fronts. One is Stay Silent Head Home, which is part of our community relations strategy to create a positive relationship between locals and students. Our SUBU Community Officer, Dev Mistry, has been working hard to improve this relationship and will be a key figure in the SSHH campaign.

“Another front for the SSHH campaign is Stay Safe Head Home. This is in response to the recent reports we have received that students have been attacked after a night out, or having their belongings stolen, or getting into fights. We feel that students need to be more aware of the importance to plan how they are getting home after a night out, and in general to not take risks with their own personal safety, which is also of paramount importance to us.

“United Taxis have also signed a pledge to show more consideration to locals when picking up and dropping off students. This includes parking more considerately and refraining from beeping their horns.”

This afternoon’s litter picking expedition will run from 2:00pm to 3:00pm and SUBU will be promoting the  campaign at The Old Firestation during Milk and Lollipop for the next 2 weeks.

Toby said: “It is not our intention to spoil student’s fun at all, if anything we encourage it as socialising is part of the student experience. The campaign won’t involve us preaching to students – it will be fun and creative so watch this space. We just want to make sure that students understand that you can be responsible and safe whilst having the time of your life.”

SUBU has also been working closely with the Safety in the Neighbourhood Team and fully supports the safety-awareness campaign launched by Dorset Police in the summer of 2011, called Operation Protect. Like Operation Protect, SUBU will be printing posters and leaflets with the SSHH campaign slogans, with particular focus on students.

If you fancy helping to raise awareness, why not head down to Frederica Road and join the team.



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