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My name is Rhianwen Bryon, I’m twenty years old, from North Wales and I’d like to run for the position of Vice President for Welfare. I am currently in my first year studying International Business and Marketing. I am currently a proud member of LUBS netball team where I attend weekly socials, matches and training with fellow LUBS members and I also have a weekly breakfast show on Leeds Student Radio with three other co-hosts. I have been at Leeds for 2 years as in my first year I was studying a different degree and decided to drop out in December of 2021, during those trying weeks I would have loved to have a person to turn to for advice and guidance and I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to do so for future LUBS members.
During my time out, I worked as a teacher in a pupil referral unit for children who didn’t attend mainstream education due to personal or behavioural issues, where I worked closely with students helping them gain their GCSE’s or other qualifications. I was trained in safeguarding and dealt with issues regularly regarding pupils’ home lives, mental health and other pertinent issues. I furthered my experience by working on a playscheme over the summer in a socially deprived area where we provided children with games and free meals. We worked closely with social services, the local council and again employed safeguarding techniques. Both these experiences have well equipped me with choosing the most appropriate resources to deal with serious issues as well as given me the skills to communicate with the most suitable channels for individuals to receive necessary help.
Furthermore, I have experience helping out with Leeds Student Radio’s breakfast social media as well as experience in a local digital marketing agency which means I can create quality social media posts. Our breakfast show additionally has an agony aunt section where we dedicate time to help Leeds students with any dilemmas they are facing.
I would love to implement several ideas. The effects of exercise and mindfulness on wellbeing should not be underestimated, hence, I suggest possibly partnering with other societies such as the yoga society or with the Edge Gym to hold free give-it-a-go well-being sessions including yoga, mindfulness, meditation or more active classes such as Zumba or dance fit. The anxiety surrounding socials in clubbing environments could be countered by incorporating more sober socials in the year, for instance, pottery painting, puppy rooms, escape rooms etc.
I would communicate with course reps to employ a peer support assistant, breaching the gap between those who need help and those who can provide solutions or support, this would offer course-relevant support also. I believe adding an anonymous Padlet to LUBS’ link tree would be a great way for LUBS members to anonymously ask for guidance, these questions and answers could be featured at the end of Welfare Wednesdays posts. I also believe that LUBS could hold talks with relevant speakers for common and recurring issues for students- for instance regarding housing, managing finances, advice for applying for placements and other issues that students are expected to pick up as they go along.
I believe I am a friendly, approachable and kind individual who cares greatly about others’ mental health and would love to be able to help individuals navigate the tough journey that university can be. Mental health issues are often not addressed enough and students need support. I have experienced first-hand how difficult and lonely uni can feel when things aren’t quite going to plan and I would love to be there for others who are struggling, regardless of whether it's a quick rant or to help with heavier issues.