I am so excited to have this role. Before I started, I had so many different ideas that I wanted to put into action during this academic year. I soon realised that it was much better to have a few, realistic and achievable goals that could be executed properly and were a success. The SU team is so passionate about creating projects that will be beneficial and enjoyable to the students at Cardiff Met. As a result of this, there are going to be so many collaborations between the part time officers and reps this year.
My first event this year will take place on the 8th October during Mental Health awareness week in Zen. I am working with Met Res life to put on a variety of wellbeing activities that all can enjoy. I will be leading a ‘Learn to knit’ workshop which will then be followed by a ‘knitathon’ to challenge everyone’s skills! There will be a yoga session, nails and facials, retro gaming, a Harry Potter quiz and some really great prizes up for grabs.
I am inviting adventurer, author and eating disorder advocate Alex Staniforth to speak on mental resilience, the importance of eating right and empowering people to talk about their mental health because it is not a sign of weakness. He will be doing a talk, followed by a q+a and meet and greet in Centro on Cyncoed campus.
In November, I am working with the Global Officer, Nika, to put on an event called ‘Far from home’ which all students are invited to. Leaving home, near or far, can be so difficult and hopefully we can help make the transition into university a little better. This will be a chance for people from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures to meet one another in a safe and judgement free space. The students can learn from one another, meet other people who aren’t on their courses and congratulate themselves on making it through the first couple of months at university! It’s important to celebrate the little successes.
It has been so wonderful to see all the plans, slowly but surely come to life. The aim of the all the events and activities is to create connections, empower students and to ensure that they know there is always someone to talk to. Mental health and wellbeing is something I feel very passionately about and I think it is important to put tangible things in place for the students to access. Wellbeing plays such a crucial part in all aspects of life and it is especially important during a time of significant change. It has been so great to meet all the students and I really strive to put their voices forward so that we can have a university with activities that appeal to everyone.