From housing pressures to transport costs and access to health services, students are facing challenges that demand bold, collective action. This is why Jay is working closely with Students' Unions in Manchester, as part of the Greater Manchester Student Partnership, and London, as part of the London Student Partnership.

These groups bring collective student interest together and help build influence with local organisations and local government, such as Mayors and councils, to advocate and lobby for the needs of students in their region.

We are proud to see Jay representing Arden students in these regional conversations. By working together, we're building a movement where students lead, influence, and thrive on campus and in their communities.

Greater Manchester Student Partnership

One of the key issues the Greater Manchester Student Partnership is tackling is the cost of public transport. In Greater Manchester, students rely heavily on the tram network, but unlike buses, there's currently no student discount available.

For students this can add significant costs with a 28 day tram pass from Zone 4 to zone 1, as an example, costing £101.80. That's nearly three times the cost of a student bus pass. This is simply unsustainable for students when factoring other costs.

The GSMP are calling for:

• 30% student discount on all tram tickets via the Bee Network App.
• A 'bolt-on' option to add tram travel to existing student bus passes.

Jay has co-signed an open letter with other Students' Unions as part of GMSP. This is just one of the ways Jay is working to ensure students in Manchester, and beyond, get the same fair deal.

Read the open letter

London Student Partnership

Jay is also part of the London Student Partnership that was formed last year with 20 other Students' Unions across London involved. This partnership is still forming but already agree on priorities around housing, transport, cost of living and access to health services.