Why should students vote for me?

Hi! I’m Marci, I’m 22 and I’m a 2nd year Events Management student and I would like to be your next nightlife officer. I have lived in Southampton my whole life and I guess you could say that I have a passion for nightlife in this city – I am very familiar with all the bars & clubs and aware of the issues surrounding nightlife safety in the area. 

Nightlife is something most students partake in – we all love to enjoy the cheap drinks on a Tuesday night or our favourite DJ on a Saturday night. Southampton is a thriving city at night with lots to explore, however no one wants their evening or even their whole university experience ruined by something bad happening on a night out. Some students might also not be as experienced with club and night life culture as others and may not be aware of certain issues. Going out should always be filled with good and fun memories - therefore I would like to take on this position to promote nightlife safety and create a space that is safe and inclusive for everyone. Tackling certain issues surrounding club culture and student nightlife will ensure that all students feel empowered and feel that they can comfortably participate in all aspects of University life – this is after all something we are all entitled to.

How will I represent students in my role?

GETTING HOME SAFELY

As students, we may find ourselves not always able to afford a taxi or Uber home and often have to result to walking home. Many of our routes home from the club will include walking by the multiple parks in city centre. And as most of us already know – these are simply not safe.

• I would like to try and team up with a local taxi company to offer an emergency taxi scheme for students so that if you ever found yourself in a dangerous situation or without money you could still get home safely and be billed for your travel at a later time.

SAFETY INSIDE THE CLUB

Many incidents, such as spiking, or harassment/assault can happen whilst you’re inside the club.

I would like to:

• Make spiking prevention devices easily and freely accessible for all students through the University.
• Raise awareness of the ‘Ask Angela’ initiative and make students aware of which clubs and bars this is in use in. As well as push for venues to implement this if they haven’t already.

TALK TO SOMEONE

I want to create a space for students where they are aware that there are people within the University that they can talk to safely and comfortably. Whether you feel vulnerable, have been a victim of sexual harassment or have any other concerns, it is important that you know that there are people who will listen and care.

As well as this, I want to combatt and raise further awareness about sexual harassement, rape culture, consent, spiking and being street smart.

• Campaigns within the university dedicated to promoting awareness about each topic.
• Collaborating with Hampshire Police/Neighbourhood watch teams to invite specialists to give talks to students as well as keep us up to date with news related to safety within the city.

This will encourage students to get involved, get educated and get talking.

Voting links are sent to your student emails, to vote just click on the link between the 25^th October at 9am and the 1^st November at 3pm. For queries email elections@solent.ac.uk. If you would like to get in touch with me personally, please email 5mosem71@solent.ac.uk.