What my key priorities and targets are if I'm were successful in being elected
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Cost of living crisis support:
I will restructure the initiatives for free hot drinks in OneZone and the weekly free meal in the SU to make them better and bring them back into action on all UWE campuses. I will also push for the return of free basic art supplies for CATE students, ensuring creative students are not financially burdened by essential materials.
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Making Student Support Services More Effective and Accessible
UWE services should do more than just signpost students—they need to offer real, direct help. I'll work with UWE and the SU to streamline support services and push for better staff training, ensuring students get the assistance they need, whether this is for their mental health, finances, or general queries. Many students miss out on available support due to poor visibility and unclear communication. I will improve the promotion and develop user-friendly digital tools to make these services easier to find and access.
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Expanding Healthy Food Options
From personal experience, I have found that food options on campus after 5 pm are mainly limited to crisps, chocolates, and fizzy drinks. I will collaborate with UWE catering and the SU kitchen to offer healthier, more fulfilling food options for students staying late, especially during assessment periods or fasting times like Ramadan.
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Enhancing Free Well-Being Support
Well-being support should be proactive, not just reactive. I will plan free initiatives that help students maintain their mental health—like relaxation zones and peer support groups. I would like to collaborate with mental health-focused services and societies like the Moustache Social Society to co-create engaging events that raise awareness and offer valuable resources. I’m committed to creating a supportive campus environment where every student feels comfortable discussing mental health, regardless of their background.
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Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Community
Every student should feel that they belong. I’ll continue supporting cultural celebrations, safe spaces for the queer community, and neurodivergent student support while collaborating with societies and teams to create events celebrating our community’s diversity.
What experiences make me the best candidate?
Summary: In the past 5 years, I've worked closely with multiple teams and services at UWE and the SU, engaging with students to foster community, advocate for their needs, and ensure their safety and well-being. I've supported many initiatives like cultural events, de-stress activities, and safe socials for the queer and the neurodiverse community, gaining insights into the diverse student needs.
Expansion: In my role as a Student Life Assistant, I’ve been focused on building community and fostering inclusivity through a variety of events, including arts and crafts workshops, cultural celebrations, housemate mixer events that help students connect and secure accommodation, and many more. This role has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in planning engaging activities that create a sense of belonging and has made me a reliable point of contact for students with different needs.
As a Late Night Do It Right Rep, I worked closely with the Drugs and Alcohol Support Team, gaining valuable training to ensure student safety at nighttime events. My work with the Autism Support Group has further deepened my understanding of the challenges some students face, and my active participation in the Welfare Committee has strengthened my commitment to student welfare and social justice.
These experiences and my direct involvement in advocacy and event planning have developed my ability to organise successful initiatives that bring students together. I’m passionate about creating an environment where every student feels supported, heard, and empowered regardless of background or circumstance. I am confident in my ability to take on the VP Community and Welfare role and continue positively impacting the student community.