"We're absolutely grounded in the community, and welcome anyone from any background or organisation. Diversity is our strength - and it's amazing to learn with and from each other."
Students and staff at the University of Plymouth are celebrating an initiative set up to bring students, local organisations and the community closer together.
Known as Global Plymouth, the group is designed to help people learn with, from and about each other, and will be attending the Freedom Community Festival from Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 May.
Originally set up to link international students with the local community, Global Plymouth has grown to contain students from home and abroad and a variety of disciplines, as well as the Diversity Business Incubator, the Girls to Women platform, Plymouth Food Bank, and community charity, Well Connected.
Fourth-year dental student, Sneha Lopes, has been instrumental in driving the initiative, having already organised an event celebrating the women and girls of Plymouth attended by the Lord Mayor. See the video showcased at the event.
She said:
"Whether you have just migrated to this region, or are a local with roots stretching back generations, or anywhere in between, we seek to create a family of friends where everyone is celebrated for their uniqueness.
"I can't wait for the Freedom Community Festival. Some of our medical and dental students will be bringing along skeletons and anatomy models to talk more about what we do, and a design student will be showcasing her new communication device. In addition we want to hear from people about who they are and what they do - everything we do is about working with, learning from, and celebrating our community. Please come and chat to us if you're there."
