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Hi Filmsoc! This is what I will offer you as welfare officer!

- I will be your point of call for all wellbeing issues whether you’d like to speak to me in person, contact me directly through dm, or through anonymous an form to share any concerns.

- I will be active in addressing these issues and shall ensure members are not only having their wellbeing protected, but can have their say in improving Filmsoc- you’re paying to be in this community so I want to ensure everyone feels safe and satisfied!

- For me welfare doesn’t just include general wellbeing, but also inclusivity and diversity. All races, ethnicities, sexualities, abilities etc should feel welcome in Filmsoc and I believe that it’s important to ensure this society prioritises inclusivity both on and off screen.

- If you’re running for committee this year a vote for me will benefit you too! Even if it’s not expected, I will extend my role to the wellbeing of the committee. Being a committee member can be a lot hard work and everyone has different ideas, goals and schedules which can lead to tensions within committee. I will be there to mediate and help the committee compromise and find solutions to any problems that arise to not only ensure the society runs smoothly, but to help foster relationships between committee members.

But why vote for me? What are my qualifications? I’m glad you asked!

- I reinstated, organised and ran World Culture Day at my Secondary School/Sixth form after it had been cancelled for years. It went down really well and it’s been continued annually since I’ve come to university.

- I delivered the yearly Black History Month assembly which was previously notorious among all students for being misrepresentative. I proposed that I give it a revamp and spoke about the influence of black history on modern British culture as well as the film ‘The Woman King’ and the Dahomey people.

- I completely changed the perspective of executive staff in my school on their attitudes towards students anddressing issues impacting non-white communities. It’s a long story but let’s just say after many meetings and lots of advocating, students are now able to discuss and fundraise for global events/charities (including Islamic Relief and Black Lives Matter).

- I struggled to make friends as a fresher and I only found my people at the end of my first year! I know what it feels like to be lonely at university and like you don’t fit in - I can be there for people who feel the same way!

- I’ve already been a background influence on Filmsoc! Being friends with people on the committee meant that I’ve helped out on events including Otley Runs, the Winter Ball and I even held my own fundraiser.

- I was the one who suggested this role! With the increase in social events and members this year, I suggested that a welfare officer be implemented and that I would love to take on that job… and here we are!

Thank you for taking the time to read my statement! I apologise for the length- I wanted to ensure I present myself as wholly as possible for this election. Good luck to everyone running!
- Ella

Hi Filmsoc! I’m Emily and I’m running to be your Welfare Sec!

Filmsoc is such a special community - full of creativity, passion, and personality. But no matter how exciting things get, university life can be overwhelming at times. Whether you’re brand new or have been around for years, everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and included.

That’s exactly what I want to bring to this role: a genuine sense of care, connection, and community.


What I’ll Do as Welfare Officer:
💌 Be Approachable & Accessible:
I’ll be someone you can turn to, whether that’s in person or over DMs. I also want to introduce ‘Behind The Scenes’ which is an anonymous form, for members and the committee, as I know sharing how you feel can be scary. Everyone communicates differently, and I want to make sure no one’s left out just because they don’t want to speak up publicly.

☕ Create Space to Unwind:
Alongside regular events, I’d introduce “Welfare Coffee Catchups” - this would be every 2 weeks, and it will be laid-back hangouts where people can check in, decompress, or just feel less alone. Sometimes all we need is a warm drink and a good chat!

🌈 Make Inclusion a Priority:
Filmsoc should reflect all the people who make it amazing. I’ll advocate for better on-screen and behind-the-scenes representation, inclusive event planning, and stronger collaboration with societies to make sure everyone feels seen and welcome.

🧰 Offer Real, Practical Support:
I am currently building my own Mental Health Resource Hub, which I would also love to include to Filmsoc. This will have info on mental health, I’m currently trying to include financial advice, accessibility and hopefully in the future develop it further. Because sometimes what makes the biggest difference is knowing where to turn.

🎬 Keep Sets Safe & Committees Healthy:
Welfare doesn’t stop at socials! I’ll work with the rest of the committee to make sure all our environments are respectful and accessible. And for the committee, I’ll act as a calm, neutral voice to help with communication, conflict resolution, and emotional support.

Why Me?
> Being a mental health adviser, I have led successful campaigns for mental health awareness - and I’ve seen firsthand how change starts with empathy and action!
> I understand how isolating uni can feel, especially when you’re starting new. That’s why I’m passionate about creating spaces where people do feel like they belong.
> I have been the Welfare for the past month now, and now that I have got the feel or what it’s like behind the scenes, I know I can contribute a great deal and a fresh start for the next year.

Let’s build a Filmsoc where everyone feels valued - at screenings, at socials, and everywhere in between.
Thanks so much for reading. I can’t wait to (hopefully!) support you all 💛

Hi everyone, I’m Ash, I’m a first (going on second) year Linguistics student. You might not know me, I was holed up in my flat for most of semester 1, but you should absolutely vote for me for Welfare Secretary! While hopefully getting the opportunity to subject you to— I mean, let you experience, my depressing— I mean, superb film taste, my main goal will be to look after every member’s wellbeing. We’re all here to have a good time, after all.

I understand that everyone has different feelings and triggers. If I’m elected, I’ll make it a priority that everyone can easily access content warnings for every screening. I’ll also be only a message away if anyone has any questions about more niche triggers that might not be easy to research about. I want everyone to feel comfortable at screenings, there’s no such thing as asking a silly question about something that might upset you.

A safe society is a great society. I’ll make sure all events are safe and inclusive for everyone. No one should feel unsafe or upset. If anyone feels at all unsafe, I’ll be ready to help, and if need be, raise any issues with the other committee members. If anyone makes other members uncomfortable, it won’t be tolerated. I want everyone to feel safe and welcome at every screening and event. No weird behaviour will get past me. Everyone’s here to have a good time, and no one deserves to have that spoilt.

I also want to make sure that no one is left out at any events. Having been in those situations myself, I understand what it’s like to feel like you’ve got no one to talk to, or that you don’t belong; I’ll be there at any point, whether in person or by message, to talk. Whether you need support during or after a screening, feel unsafe at an event or want to chat about anything or nothing, I’ll be there. Happy and healthy members are a core part of keeping a society going strong. No one gets left behind, regardless of if you’re a member or on the committee. I’ll make it my mission to see to that.

I’d like to take a paragraph to talk to the future committee members. If I do have the pleasure of working with you, I’ll likewise treat your wellbeing just as seriously as other members. With society workload on top of uni assignments, I completely understand if there are periods where you feel stressed or upset. No one deserves to feel like being part of the committee is a chore or an annoying side quest, that’s why I want you to know that I’ll be always be there to check up on you. Whether that’s in person or by sending me a DM, I’ll always respond. It’s not only members that make a great society, but an equally enthusiastic and healthy committee. Together, we can make this society the best it’s ever been. I truly believe that.

I hope you’ll consider voting for me! I’ve loved my time with Film Soc, from the events to the screenings, to the new people I’ve met, and would love the opportunity to work alongside the other committee members to make your experience just as great, if not even better. And if that doesn’t persuade you, I’ve got biscuits (totally not a bribe, don’t tell anyone).