Posted on Mon 08 Nov 2021 at 10:55 by
Megan Crossman Hi all! As we approach the middle of the first semester, I thought I'd give you a quick run through of some of the work I've been doing since Freshers' Week!
Mental Health:
- World Mental Health Day: 10 October was World Mental Health Day and I worked with Nightline and Student Minds to organise several events, including a male mental health discussion event and a film screening!
- Male Mental Health Working Group: The male mental health discussion event generated some amazing discussion around how we can encourage males to discuss their wellbeing in an environment which is comfortable. We were so inspired by the passion behind this issue that I met with Student Services who are now setting up a male mental health working group with student representation!
- Mental Health Charter: Recently, the university signed up to Student Minds Mental Health Charter and I've really pleased to be the student lead for this work.
- New Social Opportunities: We've started running Morning Mixers every Thursday and Park Runs every Saturday to give you more opportunities to meet other students!
Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity:
- Training for Student Leaders: I've developed and delivered training on topics such as inclusivity and wellbeing to various student leaders, including our Fresher's Week Captains, new Nightline volunteers, and the Lacrosse club.
- Inclusivity Award: We have redesigned and launched our Inclusivity Award for all student leaders! The deadline for signing up is 29th November.
- SU EDI Objectives: We have finished drafting our EDI objectives for all SU work over the next few years, and we're in the process of consulting with students on these!
Student Safety:
- Safe Taxi Scheme: At the start of the semester, I set up the SU Safe Taxi Scheme, which seems to be going very well! If you have used this service and want to pass on any feedback, please get in touch.
- Drink Spiking: We boycotted all bars/clubs on 27 October in solidarity with all victims of drink spiking. We then send an open letter to venues asking them about their anti-spiking provisions and 604 students signed this letter. Following this, Annie and I met with venues across town and the local police earlier this week. We've now written an article all about student safety from drink spiking, including the responses from venues and advice from the local police.
- 16 Days of Activism: I'm working with a student to organise events around the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence this year.
Local Community:
- Student Community Partnership Board: I Chaired my first ever SCP board meeting which has representation from Bath Spa, local colleges, SCP, the local council, and local residents.
- Moving In Campaign: Earlier this week I helped the SCP with the moving in campaign. I spent an afternoon knocking on doors around Oldfield Park to introduce myself and listen to any difficulties students and local residents are facing while living here.
Student Reps:
- International Exec: We have recently elected representatives for our International Exec and we had our first Exec meeting last week!
- Diversity & Support Exec: We also had our first Diversity & Support Exec meeting last week and it was great to hear about the fantastic work the D&S groups are doing.
- Liberation Network: We have our first ever meeting of Liberation Network (LibNet) later this month and have an amazing group of students sitting on this network so I'm really looking forward to it!
- Hall Reps: We've elected our Hall Reps and trained them up last week. Our first Hall Rep Forum is next week - giving the reps a space to feedback any issues in their accommodation
Finally, we've been assigned university staff leads for each of our Top 10 issues and initial action plans have been written! We've all been presenting the Top 10 at various senior meetings and we're really excited to see work being started on these items!
There's a quick summary of the work I've been doing these past couple of months. I hope you all have a great week and are starting to get into the Christmas spirit!