Officer Blog

Abby Officer Update: University Mental Health Day

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:26:48 Z

University Mental Health Day (UMHD) is a national campaign dedicated to putting student mental health at the forefront of university life. There are 2.9 million students across the UK and at least 1 in 3 experience loneliness (Student Minds, 2026). This year’s theme, Human Connection, is more important than ever.

For many, university is the first experience of real independence; living away from home, managing your own time, and building new social circles. With that freedom can come change: shifts in eating habits, irregular sleep schedules, increased exposure to alcohol or drugs, and exploring sexual relationships or online content such as pornography. These experiences can be part of growth and discovery, but they can also impact your mental health if things begin to feel overwhelming or unbalanced.

Connect with others.
Join a society or club, attend a Guild event, or check in with a friend or course mate. A simple message or shared coffee can reduce feelings of loneliness and remind someone they’re not alone.

Connect with yourself.
Self-care is human. Take breaks from studying. Go for a walk, cook a nourishing meal, reset your sleep routine, try something creative, or step back from screens. Paying attention to your physical and emotional wellbeing can help build resilience.

At the Guild, we recognise that this stage of life is about learning academically and personally. We are here to support you in developing positive mental health, healthy lifestyle habits, and confidence as you shape your future.

Support available to you:

Consent Matters – online consent and sexual harassment training

Problematic Porn Use Course – free, confidential support delivered by Pivotal Recovery

Better Than Well – addiction recovery programme

Guild Advice – financial, wellbeing and academic guidance

University Wellbeing Team – therapeutic and wellbeing support

There are also a wealth of resources and information on accessing support on our Health and Wellbeing webpage as well as staying safe on our Keep Safe webpage.

This Uni Mental Health Day, take one small step toward connection with someone else, or with yourself. If something feels difficult, reaching out is a sign of strength. Support is here whenever you need it.

You can contact me, Abby, your Welfare and Community Officer via email at welfare@guild.bham.ac.uk

Women's History Month – How we’re celebrating at the Guild

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:39:47 Z

TW: Mentions of gender-based violence.

Hi, I’m Lucy, your Women’s Officer here at the University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students!

The month of March sees Women’s History Month celebrated around the world, and here at the Guild, we’re marking this month in many ways. From networking to nights out, there’s lots of ways to get involved in this month’s celebrations. Here is an overview of what’s coming up and its significance:

Bloody Lovely Afternoon

On Tuesday 3 March we’re holding an interactive workshop on menstrual health, Bloody Lovely Afternoon. Fellow student and Menstrual Health Activist, Anvi, will share her journey as an activist and engage us around what it’s like to experience menstruation as a university student, including period poverty and what support is available. We will discuss why non-menstruators should be part of the conversation too. This is a collaborative workshop with WUKA, who are providing 40 free pairs of period pants to attendees.

This workshop couldn’t have come at a more vital time. 70% of students who menstruate report being unable to concentrate on studies or assessments due to period pain. 1 in 6 students who menstruate have experienced period poverty in the past year, with nearly half missing classes as a result. Despite all the evidence suggesting the severity of this issue, only 15% of universities offer any form of menstruation-related policy (HEPI, 2025).

International Women's Day Vigil

In the evening of Tuesday 3 March, we’re hosting a vigil in remembrance of victims of gender-based violence. This is held at the Green Heart, right in the centre of campus. Through joining together in solidarity, we’ll here from student speakers reflecting on the issue and mark respect towards those affected by violence against women and girls (VAWG). This is sure to be a powerful display, and will demonstrate our resistance against such violence, as well as our continued fight for justice and increased women’s safety.

With violence against women and girls on the increase (37% increase of VAWG-related crimes between 2018 and 2023), it’s vital that we show up as a community in defiance and support for those affected (parliament.uk, 2025). When a woman is killed by a man every 3 days in the UK, we all must take a stand and use our voices for change (endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk, 2026).

Community Breakfast - Women's Week Edition

On Wednesday 4 March we’re holding a Women’s Week edition of the Guild’s popular Community Breakfast. Students are able to enjoy a free breakfast, whilst meeting with me (the Women’s Officer) and chatting to Birmingham-based women’s charities; GINA, RSVP and Anawim. This is a great way to signpost students and raise awareness on support services available for our community.

Women's Society Networking

On Thursday 5 March, I will be hosting a networking social for committees and members of UoB women’s societies. This is a great way for prominent women shaping campus and actively engaged students to come together!

Half of young women report facing discrimination in the workplace, and almost half of young women are worried about not having enough career opportunities to progress (youngwomenstrust.org, 2023); the time for growing your network and connecting with other future leaders is now. I am so happy to see UoB students get involved with initiatives like this to develop themselves & their community.

FAB: Dancing Queens

Although there are many reasons that International Women’s Day (IWD) & Women’s History Month are significant, this time is also a cause for celebration of how far we have come, the power of our community and the future we will pave the way for. It’s amazing to get to ring in IWD on the night of Saturday 7 March at the Guild’s free club night, Dancing Queens! You can expect girl power bangers from DJ Kate Frost, singing your hearts out at karaoke and benefiting from great drinks offers!

Girls Run Brum - Selly Solidarity Run

Finally, on IWD itself (Sunday 8 March), we’re collaborating with Girls Run Brum for a run around Selly Oak. This is a great opportunity for everyone to join for a friendly jog and for the Community Ambassadors at the Guild to share how they serve the Selly Oak community, as well as hand out free self-defence safety resources.

I want to say thank you for everyone who will be attending or supporting these events! It’s set to be an incredible Women’s History Month, and I am very honoured to serve as your Women’s Officer – I hope I have done you proud. Here’s to an even bigger Women’s History Month next year!

Sustainability Is Bigger Than You Think

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:34:10 Z

Green Week is coming up soon, and I’m so excited to see all the behind-the-scenes planning come to life. It’ll be taking place during the week of 16 March, and will be delivered in collaboration with the University – head to their website to view their upcoming activity.

This year’s Green Week is packed with events, from talks and workshops to hands-on activities and chances to connect with others who care about making change. I can’t wait to see so many of you getting involved!

More Than Just the Planet

When we talk about “Green Week”, it’s natural to initially think about the environment: climate action, recycling, cutting waste, sustainable food. All of that is so important, but sustainability is about a lot more than just the planet.

In 1987, the United Nations defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This includes the environment, but it also includes our communities, our health, our rights, and more. It’s about developing systems and cultures that last because they are fair and inclusive.

Sustainable Development Goals

To help create the framework for improving life for the future, the UN created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are 17 goals covering everything from climate action to health, education, equality, and justice. They are there to remind us that sustainability isn’t just a single issue: it’s interconnected. Here are a few highlights from the SDGs and how they apply to our university community!

Health and Wellbeing (SDG3): A university community can’t be sustainable if students are burnt out or struggling without support. Access to mental health services, inclusive activities and recognising pressure and balance all matter.
Gender Equality (SDG5) and Reducing Inequalities (SDG10): A sustainable campus is one where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and feel safe. That means challenging any forms of discrimination, supporting underrepresented voices and making our spaces inclusive.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG16): On campus this means student voice, democratic representation and transparent decision-making. When students feel heard and empowered, our community becomes stronger.

Get Involved

Environmental action is still important, but it sits alongside these social and economic issues. For example, climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities. That’s why Green Week isn’t just about tote bags and recycling. It’s about creating the space to think outside of the box and ask what kind of campus (and world!) we want to build.

I’d encourage you to get involved in Green Week, whether you come along to an event, or start a conversation, or reflect on what sustainability means to you. I’m looking forward to seeing our campus full of ideas and conversations, and hopefully we can build a university community that appreciates all aspects of sustainability.

Introducing SHAG Week

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:48:01 Z

As your Welfare and Community Officer, I’m excited to announce an exciting project I’ve been working on: SHAG Week!

What is SHAG Week?

SHAG Week, also known as Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance Week, offers a mix of educational events, discussions, workshops, and social activities designed to help you feel informed, safe, and supported whatever your background, beliefs, or experiences.

Why are we running it?

There are a few important reasons why this week matters:

Young people are most affected by STIs. In 2024, over 350 STI diagnoses were made every day among people aged 15–24. University students fall directly into this group (GOV.UK, 2025).

COVID disrupted sex education. Many students missed out on consistent or comprehensive sex education during the pandemic.

Our student community is incredibly diverse. Students arrive at university with very different levels of knowledge, cultural backgrounds, and comfort when it comes to relationships and sexual health.

University can be daunting. Meeting new people, navigating relationships, and managing peer pressure in a new environment can feel overwhelming.

Our goal is to break down stigma, provide accurate information, and help students feel empowered to make choices that are right for them, now or in the future.

What if I’m abstinent or against sex before marriage?

That’s completely valid and SHAG Week is for you too. This week is not about encouraging sexual activity. It’s about personal care, understanding your own anatomy, and making sure you have the knowledge, confidence, and support you might need at any point in your life.

Whether you choose to be sexually active now, later, or never, you deserve access to clear information and safe spaces.

If attending events in person feels uncomfortable, there are other options:

Visit our Health Hub, where you can explore sexual health information and resources in your own time and space.

If you do want to talk to someone face-to-face, we’ll have a pop-up clinic at Guild Advice, delivered by sexual health professionals from Umbrella, running all week.

What’s on during SHAG Week?

A packed week of sexual health education, bold conversations, and fun socials. Expect a Sexual Health Fair, a Big Uni Sex Ed Class, talks such as: Beyond Boys and Girls: How Gender Shapes Sexual Behaviour, queer-focused talks and more.

We’ll also be hosting We Love Consent Workshops, a See it. Say it. Stop it and Support workshop, Speed Friending, creative sessions, a Big Sexy Quiz and standout nights like the Drag Disco and Valentine’s club night.

You’ll see society-led events including PolSoc Discusses: Body Politics, Women in Politics: Media, Power and the Political Female Body, Self Discovery on the Pole and Sexpression’s Arts and Crafternoon, as well as their Sexual Health Mythbuster Workshop.

Ronak Officer Update

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:38:54 Z

Hello I’m Ronak, your Ethnic Minority Students' Officer. During my time as an Officer, I want to make sure every student feels deeply represented and supported. One of my key focuses is addressing the disproportionate impacts and systemic issues faced by our global majority and ethnic minority students.

Community and Socials

I am fundamentally committed to strengthening the bonds of community. I want to do this by delivering initiatives that foster a deep sense of belonging, particularly for those facing intersectional challenges.

I successfully collaborated on a dedicated social event for Trans and Non-Binary People of Colour, ensuring these students feel represented. I know many students can feel isolated during the festive periods so I established the Cultures Connect Winter Social to reduce homesickness and preserve cultural ties. After speaking to students during Welcome Week, I am moving to re-establish the popular Fusion Night, ensuring student voices actively shape the cultural landscape of our Union.

Careers

My strategy centres on addressing the systemic opportunity gaps faced by ethnic minority students through proactive collaboration. A significant milestone is the Career Insight Day in London, partnered with the Business Society, which is scheduled for the last week of January, providing high-value industry exposure.

I am also planning on inviting successful minority ethnic leaders, to share their professional blueprints for aspiration and achievement.

Housing

My focus is on the critical concern of student welfare and the cost of living. I am actively engaging with the Renters’ Rights legislation, which has created unforeseen financial hurdles for international students needing UK guarantors. Recognising this welfare impact, the Guild of Students has established immediate support services to mitigate acute homelessness risks; consequently, I am now seeking a durable, long-lasting solution to guarantee housing stability.

Looking Ahead

My commitment remains unwavering. I will continue to rigorously lobby for stronger housing stability measures, ensure the successful implementation of our cultural and social events and work collaboratively to enhance the career prospects of ethnic minority students. Your participation is essential. Whether it concerns representation, housing or career access, I urge you to share your feedback.

You can email me or keep updated with my campaign work on Instagram.

Thanks for reading.

Max Officer Update

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:36:40 Z

I’m Max, your Sustainability Officer, and I’m responsible for campaigning on key environmental issues of concern to students and supporting the development and promotion of sustainable practices and policy within the Guild and University.

This year I’ve been doing work around COP30, supporting students to get involved with sustainability, attending events and working on various projects. Read on to see what I’ve been up to!

COP30 Policy and Events

I have been working with the University to support their contributions towards COP30, which is took place in Brazil this year. COP30 is the 30th Conference of the Parties, a climate change conference organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This year, in preparation for the conference, the University produced a report called ‘Bridging Research and Policy for Global Climate Action’, including both national and international policy recommendations. As your Sustainability Officer, I contributed towards the ‘Sustainability Education’ section, using my experience and conversations with students to feed into the policy recommendations.

I recently attended the University’s Parliamentary Launch of the report, where I spoke to professionals in the sustainability and policy sectors, answered their questions about the policy recommendations and helped them to understand the student experience.

To link into to COP30, I also hosted a Q&A panel event featuring staff and students where we reflected on the key outcomes and discuss what we would want to see in the future.

Supporting Students with Getting Involved

In collaboration with the University, I have helped to develop the Student Sustainability Hub, a Canvas page which acts as a one-stop-shop for everything students could need to know about sustainability and how to get involved. If you’re a student, you can join the Canvas page and get access to useful information and frequent updates on events, job opportunities, internships and volunteering!

I’m working with the various sustainable-themed societies to help them advertise their events in one place. There are lots of different societies you can join, and follow them on Instagram to see all their events.

Currently I’m helping to plan for Green Week, which will be taking place in spring next year. There are going to be lots of fun events and I can’t wait to tell you all about them, so stay tuned for updates on this in the new year!

In addition to this, over the summer I raised with the University that there were issues around the frequency of the bus services and the overcrowding that sometimes takes place at University bus stops. My feedback and the wider work of the University Travel Team have helped to influence an increase in some bus services like the X21/X22around busier times at the start of the semester!

Attending Events

In October I attended the SUSTAIN 2025 Midlands UnConference, where I spoke to professionals, students, University staff and volunteers from across the Midlands about current sustainability issues. I championed the voice of UoB students and raised relevant issues around the cost of sustainable behaviours, social action and the youth voice. I came away with lots of ideas for things we could do at the Guild and the University, and I’m looking forward to trying to put some of them into action.

Looking Ahead

I’m also working on other various projects related to my manifesto, such as:

Waste management across campus and how this can be improved

Improving education on the environmental issues with AI

Supporting campaigning groups (if you’re running a campaign or are interested in running one, then please do get in touch with me!).

If you’ve got any thoughts or questions for me, then please do let me know! You can email me or follow what I’m up to on Instagram.

Lucy Officer Update

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:19:30 Z

Reclaim the Night: Standing Together Against Gender-Based Violence

TW: Mentions of gender-based violence and sexual and physical harassment.

Hi everyone, I’m Lucy your Women's Officer and it’s my job to make UoB women feel safer and stronger together. As part of my role, I like to engage with the community through hosting socials and empowering events - one of which is Reclaim the Night.

Reclaim the Night is one of the most powerful and longstanding feminist protest movements. Every year, the University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students takes part to continue this vital work. On November 25 at 6pm, we will march from the Faraday Statue to Mermaid Square at the Guild. Our annual march brings students together to raise our voices, support survivors and stand up to violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all its forms. But where did this movement begin and why does it still matter today?

Where Reclaim the Night Started

Reclaim the Night first began in the UK in the late 1970s, inspired by international feminist demonstrations protesting sexual violence and gendered oppression. The Guardian (2006) reports that the first Reclaim the Night protests took place in Leeds on 12 November 1977. The marches were in part a response to the "Yorkshire Ripper" murders (BBC, 2021), and the police response (The i Paper, 2021) which instructed women to stay out of public spaces after dark.

At the time, curfews and safety warnings placed responsibility on women rather than addressing perpetrators or systemic violence. Reclaim the Night emerged in direct defiance of this logic. Women marched to reclaim public spaces (loudly, visibly and collectively) insisting on the right to move freely without fear. Dr Finn Mackay (2014) reported a dozen marches took place that same November night in other cities, encouraged by the efforts of women in Leeds. These cities included: York, Bristol, Brighton, Newcastle, Bradford, Manchester, Lancaster and London.

NIA (2025) have shared that since then, marches have continued across the UK, led by grassroots organisations, women’s rights groups, students’ unions and community networks. While the world has changed since the 1970s, the core message remains the same: gender-based violence is never acceptable, and it is never the victim’s fault.

Reclaim the Night at UoB: Solidarity, Support and Strength:

At the University of Birmingham, our Reclaim the Night march brings students from across campus together to protest, raise awareness and make change. We march with banners, posters, chants and a shared commitment to building a safer community.

The event also includes speakers who work in or have lived experience within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) space. These talks are a powerful opportunity to learn, reflect and recognise the challenges survivors face - both on campus and beyond.

Reclaim the Night is much more than a protest. It is:

A space of solidarity, where survivors are believed and supported
A reminder that the responsibility for ending violence lies with society, not with victims
A call to action for all of us to play a role in making campus safer.

By coming together and sharing our voices, we uplift each other, raise awareness and help shift the culture surrounding gender-based violence

Why It Still Matters:

Even today, women and gender minorities continue to face harassment, violence and threats in public and private spaces. Recent national conversations, as reported by BBC (2025), such as those following the deaths of Sarah Everard (Solace, 2024) and Sabina Nessa (Aljazeera, 2022), have shown that this issue is ongoing and urgent.

Reclaim the Night is a reminder that change is possible - but only if we come together to demand it. On our campus, it’s also a chance to show students that support exists, survivors matter and no one is facing this alone.

Looking Ahead - Join Us:

Whether you’ve attended before or this is your first time, we invite you to march with us in solidarity, hope and resilience. Bring your friends, your voice and your energy - every person makes our message louder.

Together, we can reclaim safety. We can reclaim joy. We can reclaim the night.

Jacob Officer Update

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:47:53 Z

Hi everyone,

I’m Jacob, your Education Officer, and it’s my job to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality academic experience that’s fit for the future – whether that’s in lectures, labs or on placement. A big part of what I was elected on was improving how placements work for you – making sure students feel supported, heard and able to thrive while gaining practical skills wherever they’re based.

Here’s a quick update on what I’ve been working on around placements, some of my ideas for improvement and ways you can get involved.

Understanding and improving the student experience on placement

This term, I’ve met with staff and students across the College of Medicine and Health to better understand their placement experience. Students told me placements are often some of the most rewarding parts of their courses, providing valuable hands-on experience and professional insight.

But they can also come with challenges, such as heavy workload pressures, long travel times and feeling unsupported or unheard.

I’ve been raising these concerns with senior education leaders within the colleges to ensure that student voices shape future improvements.

Working Collaboratively to Improve Placement Quality

Working alongside the College Education Teams, I’ve been exploring how we can improve the overall quality of placements and make it easier for students to report their concerns.

Some of the ideas I’ll be suggesting include:

Developing a dedicated link on the MyUoB app to make reporting placement issues quick and easy
Implementing a traffic light system to help the University track and respond to placement quality concerns more effectively
Improving communication between colleges and placement providers so that staff are always aware when students are due to arrive.

By reporting concerns or issues you’ve experienced on placement, you help us build the evidence we need to push for more support and action. The more students who report, the clearer the picture we have and the more likely we are to see real change and resources allocated to improve placements for everyone.

National Campaign: Fair Pay for Medical Placements

I’ve also joined forces with Essex Students’ Union on a national campaign to explore moving towards paid medical placements, starting with nursing students. This is part of a wider push to ensure students are valued for the vital contributions they make while on placement.

Useful Links and Ways to Get Involved

If you’re passionate about improving placement experiences, there are several ways to get involved right now.

Pharmacy Placements: Student Working Group 2025–26
Email me at education@guild.bham.ac.uk to share your experiences
Speak to your College or Course Rep – they can raise issues directly to Student Staff Forums on your behalf.

Looking Ahead

Over the next few months, I’ll continue to lobby for stronger placement support, simpler reporting mechanisms, and better communication between colleges, placement providers, and students.

Together, we can make sure placements are not just a requirement – but a rewarding, supportive, and empowering part of your degree.

Thanks for reading.

Abby Officer Update

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:21:00 +0100

TW: Mentions of sexual and physical harassment and violence

Hi everyone,

I’m Abby, your Welfare & Community Officer and it’s my job to ensure students feel supported, safe, and able to thrive during their time at UOB. With this, I’ve been working hard towards improving access to welfare services, tackling inequalities, and building a stronger, more connected student community. Here’s a quick update on what I’ve been working on so far…

Chat for Change: Selly Oak Safety Event with MP Al Carns

I recently invited local MP Al Carns, West Midlands Police and community members to a roundtable discussion around Student Safety in Selly Oak. We discussed some of the key concerns raised by students, including harassment and violence of sexual and physical nature, anti-social behaviour, bin strikes and poor waste, and student and resident relationships. I raised the need for improved police presence, empowerment of students to report incidents and find support, and increasing pressure on the council to respond to these issues. These conversations are ongoing, and I’ll be working to ensure students are represented in any local safety initiatives.

Liberation Forum Engagement

I also set up the Liberation Forum this month, where I heard directly from students representing various liberation groups and communities. We talked about the different academic and wellbeing challenges facing marginalised students, including lacking campaign support and spaces to advocate for change. These conversations are helping shape my campaign work to be responsive and inclusive of all students’ needs, not just the majority.

Cost of Living Support

The rising cost of living is still a major issue for many students. I’ve been campaigning to expand support both financial and practical. This includes pushing for more hardship funding, working to expand Community Breakfast, and promoting support for renters. Your feedback has been key here, and I’m using what you share to advocate for better funding and support systems.

Looking Ahead

Over the next few months, I’ll be continuing to lobby for stronger cost of living measures, following up on safety commitments made by local stakeholders, and working with the University and Guild to improve welfare services across campus.

I want to hear from you! Whether it’s about safety, wellbeing, cost of living, or anything else, your input shapes the work I do.

You can email me or keep updated with my campaign work on Instagram.

Thanks for reading.