VP Welfare

Actions:

• I continued to hold regular welfare catch‑ups with students to identify emerging wellbeing trends early, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to shaping responsive and student‑centred wellbeing programmes across the university.​
• I actively led discussions on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Student Survey, helping to surface authentic student experiences and ensuring that their voices inform future support strategies.​
• Throughout University Mental Health Week, I championed mental health awareness by promoting the support services available on campus and encouraging students to engage with the resources designed for their wellbeing.​
• I maintained ongoing strategic meetings with the Head of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Department. These conversations have strengthened collaboration, enabled insight‑sharing, and ensured that student concerns are addressed early and holistically for the benefit of the wider university community.​
• I also signposted students to the ‘Celebrating Our Stories’ World Mental Health Day video featuring Chancellor Ade Adepitan, a piece I previously curated to further normalise wellbeing conversations and encourage students to connect with shared stories of resilience.​

Next Steps

• Launch MHW Survey ​
• Development of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Student Survey to gather baseline data across PG, international, disabled, and commuter students
• Strengthen culturally competent support pathways

Actions:

Housing & Accommodation

• Active engagement at the Housing Fair, supporting students with affordability, tenancy rights, and provider​​
• Secured funding to re–launch the Grab and Go Food Box Initiative for Students on Campus. Plans have been finalised and set up ready to commence distribution on Campuses after Easter.​
• Participation in Commercial Services review to improve service quality and value for money ​
• Engagement with St Basils Podcast to support students experiencing homelessness. “Strengthened coordinated care rather than fragmented intervention.” ​
• Participated in Research, Engagement and STEAM Strategy Workshop.​
• Attended the book launch by Anita Bhalla for Though She Be But Little, She Is Fierce, representing the student community and engaging in discussions that celebrate women’s leadership, resilience, and storytelling.​
• Engaged in national advocacy work through NUS campaigning, including involvement in the Don’t Freeze Our Future campaign, as well as contributing to APPG activities, ensuring that students’ concerns and lived experiences were represented in key policy and sector‑wide discussions.​

Transport & Cost of Living​

• Transport advocacy through stakeholder meetings and the NUS Regional Transport Campaign “Affordable transport is not a convenience. It is access to education.”​
• Advocacy for affordable bus options, improved links, and student recognition in regional planning​
• Advancing the Workwear Wardrobe Campaign in collaboration with Careers+ to remove barriers to professional opportunities “Removing this barrier increases confidence and access to opportunity.” ​

Actions:

• Worked in close partnership with University EDI Team on RISE programme Black second‑year undergraduates. Creating culturally affirming space for Black African and Afro‑Caribbean heritage communities since its launch.​
• Supported LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts by contributing to LGBTQ+ Awareness & History Month planning and a pronoun badge‑making initiative, helping to foster a more visible, respectful, and welcoming environment for all students.​
• ender Neutral Toilet project: initiation phase with EDI Team and Liam Lees.​
• Represented students at the West Midlands Police “Hear Her” event, ensuring student perspectives were voiced in conversations focused on safety, empowerment, and community engagement.​
• Co‑organising the National ACS Conference in collaboration with Birmingham City University (BCU), the ACS network, and the National Union of Students (NUS), helping to create a powerful platform for cultural celebration, leadership development, and community empowerment for Black students across the country.​
• Gender‑based violence training ​
• Disabled Student Committee Engagement Session with Chancellor Ade Adepitan: Creating safe, empowering space for disabled students.
• Organized Women History Month Roundtable Guest Panel Session featuring Deirdre LaBassiere LL.B(Hons) FTLS, Lauren Rosengreen, Dr Paulette Wisdom Toppin, Deborah Omeni and Prof Marcia Wilson
• Barclays Young Black Student in Finance Event: Stakeholder engagement to promote representation and opportunities.
• Led a student delegation to meet with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, conducting an interview focused on amplifying disabled student voices during Disability History Month as part of the ‘No Limits’ engagement session.
• Collaborated with GMSN to host Ramadan Iftar in Curzon Building and Seacole, introducing Afro–Caribbean meal options
• Reclaim the Night March planned to hold after the Easter Break