Just Getting Started
A year ago I ran for Welfare Officer after nearly failing my degree without the possibility to re-sit. I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, access the support available to help myself and after supporting countless friends through similar situations I realised it wasn’t their fault or mine and it isn’t unavoidable. I’ve spent the last 7 months understanding and bringing together support on campus to create a complete welfare system that’s easy to access, approachable, multi-layered and effective. We’re not there yet and such big things don’t change in a few short months, so I’d like to finish the job.
It took half a year to really get started and big things are already coming, but starting a second year with all the knowledge, experience and connections I have now I promise Stronger Welfare on campus by delivering the following:
Establish Peer Support Service for ALL Students
Many students don’t feel able to approach Counselling & Wellbeing or formal services for support or can’t access them quick enough. While I aim to reduce this wait, I want to establish a volunteer scheme where students can gain the skills to support others in a more immediate and approachable manner. The Student Mentor Scheme provide this effectively to students in University accommodation, but there’s nothing in place for the other 80% of students.
Welfare Tutor Training
There is an increasing move towards professional Welfare Tutors rather than academics in Schools throughout the University, which I have been and will continue to push, however there is no formal training for Welfare Tutors. I aim to introduce compulsory training for Welfare Tutors across a range of student issues including mental health, disability, liberation groups and more.
Wellbeing Skills & Resources: Supporting Others
For most people the majority or our support comes from those around us, the friends who deal with us every day and those whom we in-turn support. We want to help others but often we’re scared of saying or doing the wrong thing, or don’t know how to deal with a crisis situation. I want to provide skills sessions and resources around a range of topics including stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm and more to help people support others confidently and effectively.
Expanded Sexual Health Testing
This year I should achieve at least chlamydia testing on campus and providing free contraception, but I want to see this extend to other testing and a permanent drop-in service on our campus.
Mental Health First Aid Training
I plan to introduce Mental Health First Aid training to deliver to as many students as possible, Welfare Tutors and staff/volunteers who work with vulnerable students.
Improved Support for Liberation Groups
I’ve worked extensively with the University this year developing policies, support and good practise relating to LGBTQ (in particular trans) students, disability on campus and giving minority groups a more direct voice in the University. I want to see Liberation Campaigns more integrated with the Guild as a whole, with more direct support.