Hi, I’m Tom (TomTom) Faherty, current third year Psychology undergraduate, standing to lead your guild as Welfare Officer in 2016/17.
My main policies:
- Easy and discreet access to sexual health services such as free condoms, STI testing on campus, and information on safer sex
- Bring you dedicated and trained welfare staff independent of academics, easily accessible in each school – With this, easier application for extenuating circumstances
- Reducing stigma of mental illness
- Listening to what YOU think would improve welfare services on campus
My experience:
- Student Panel Representative 2015-16
- President of the Bowling Society and Club Committee 2015-16
- Psychology student mentor 2015-16
- Student Representative in the school of Psychology 2014-15
Why is this relevant?
Acting as a volunteer on the Student Panel, I offer the student perspective on a number of academic appeals and misconduct committees. This has given me a unique insight into the range of problems that students encounter at Birmingham, and fuelled a passion to help prevent these difficulties occurring, as well as ensuring that quick access to help is available if a situation cannot be avoided.
As a student representative in my second year, I was able to gain an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of my school. As a result, I want to change the way that welfare tutors are selected, ie to ensure that they actively choose the role and receive appropriate training, neither of which are currently the case. My dedication and contribution to improving the student experience was recognised through being shortlisted for two awards: ‘Second Year Rep of the Year’ and ‘Student’s Choice’. I would bring this same commitment and energy to the role of Welfare Officer.
Through studying Psychology I have learned a great deal about mental health, and feel that this puts me in a strong position to help reduce the stigma attached to mental health issues. Students are one of the groups most likely to suffer from mental illnesses, and I have personal experience of suffering from depression throughout part of second year. Being a student mentor has been a fresh reminder of how difficult settling into university can be, and how important it is to have access to a support system from the beginning of University life, right through to the end of third year. I have had my fair share of challenges at Birmingham; I have seen the benefits of welfare first hand and also know which areas need to be improved. I believe I would be a good Welfare Officer for you and for the University as a whole.
As President of Bowling Society I have demonstrated that I am organised, dedicated, and trustworthy. I am willing to listen to other people’s ideas, and have excellent communication skills. Organising a charity event with Carnival Rag and many local businesses has shown that I have the ability to put in the hard work to get results.
Please vote in the guild elections this year, and consider TomTom Faherty for wWlfare Officer, guiding YOU through University.