Hello! I’m a second year photography student and the current Trans Student Officer for the university. Throughout my time of representing the transgender community at Solent, I’ve been inspired by the achievements made by our current sabbatical officers and have been encouraged to generate change and represent Solent students myself. Being a student wellbeing officer already, I’ve made some great connections with crucial members of staff at the university, this will help me to execute the points in my manifesto.
I believe that it’s really important to focus on the mental health of Solent students as a whole, as well as helping groups of students that need specific support. During my time as the Head of Student Wellbeing, I’ll focus on reforming the support available for disabled students. Give a voice to minority groups and improve the wellbeing of all students. Whilst being at Solent for the past two years, I’m extremely aware of the positive changes the university can adopt in order to create a more supportive and inclusive space for all everyone; through being part of a minority group, experiencing mental health issues and having a medical condition myself.
As your Head of Student Wellbeing, I’ll listen to the issues you face and work hard to eradicate them, in order to ensure you can achieve your full potential whilst at Solent. I’ll do this through:
- Running regular mental health sessions to promote self-care, for example, yoga, mindfulness, and fun exercise.
- Holding events on important dates for different communities at the university, to improve inclusivity and promote equality. For example, Black History Month, International Women’s Day and Pride Month.
- Focus on future COVID related issues to ensure you’re being supported properly, ensuring you have the opportunity to make friends safely, and having your voice and concerns heard.
- Creating information and workshop support for final year students to help you with the next step.
- Spreading out coursework deadlines to eradicate stress due from multiple deadlines in a short period of time.
- Making the help that’s available through Access Solent much clearer. As well as expanding the disabilities that are recognised and the support that’s offered to you. For example, conducting dyslexia tests through the university.
- Conducting a questionnaire to see what you want to change, what you need, ensuring your voices are heard and that you feel part of the Student Union.