Introduction:

Hello, my name is Ayesha, I am a third-year psychology student. I am running for mental health officer. I am running because Mental health is important to me, especially amongst fellow students, knowing that students are especially prone to struggling with mental health. I have these experiences which I could use to benefit students while volunteering as a programme representative since my first year. This has helped me gain the relevant experience to collect your feedback regarding mental health at Roehampton university, and aiding the improvement of your mental health services. I have previously been involved with Roehampton Students’ Union through, as said before, volunteering as a programme rep, as well as a peer mentor. These roles have helped me understand issues as well as positive feedback students have in general and would therefore help me in aiding the improvement of mental health services if elected.

If elected I will campaign on the Following things:

1. Campaign Point 1: creating more social and study sessions across campus. This issue is important because deadlines, coursework and exams are key stressors for students, having social sessions away from study provides a break for students, while having study sessions would help you help each other, such as through research support specific to year groups. I will achieve the aim of this through campaigning for more events related specifically study sessions, movie nights and talking sessions for example) in order to allow aid in relieving student stress.

2. Campaign Point 2: Bring forward placing more awareness to all quiet spaces, especially on Whitlands campus. This issue is important because many students may be unaware of the areas of which can be used if needed, such as for online meetings (ie, counselling sessions) and study. I will achieve the aim of this through campaigning to create new spaces where possible, and providing information about such spaces in lectures, as well as online.

3. Campaign Point 3: creating year specific support for mental health, such as making a longer buddy system, as well as making students more aware of available help if needed. This issue is important because it will allow students know for certain where help can be provided. I will achieve the aim of this through campaigning to create mental health awareness weeks to provide you with the relevant information.

Please make sure you remember to go out and vote for me as your mental health officer!! In case you would like to contact me with any queries, my email is metouaga@roehampton.ac.uk