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Hi, I'm Annie Bocock, and I'm running to be one half of your Social & Well-being Sec team this year!

A little about me: I'm a BA International Development with QRM student going into their third year, and I have been powerlifting for just over a year! You may have seen me at some of the weightlifting sessions earlier this year, on social media, plodding around the Edge or at a few of the socials. I'm a mature student at 24 years old, fat, queer and autistic.

I'm keen to continue the work that has been done to ensure that a wider variety of socials are held weekly, including more non-drinking socials, socials for international and postgrad students, visits to a diverse range of club nights/bars, and holding inter-society socials. I want there to be a greater sense of inclusion and unity at our socials, so I will work with the wider committee to help make socials even more inclusive for all, actively working to integrate new or more nervous members into discussions and bridging the gaps between newer and older members of Barbell. I'm also passionate about making Barbell as a whole an even more inclusive society to be a part of. My own experiences naturally make me passionate about ensuring that the society is a safe place to be for heavier lifters, lifters with disabilities, and trans/non-binary lifters BUT this doesn't mean at all that I'm not equally as determined about making Barbell more equitable and enjoyable for ALL. I will use my role to be an active listener and a proactive advocate for your well-being. I know and have experienced the issues that the sport has caused me as someone fat, working class, non-binary and with long-term mental health issues. However, I know that different issues come up for others, and I'm keen to listen, learn, signpost and support.

I have plenty of different experiences that would make me ideal for the role! Firstly I am currently a School (and former Course) Rep for POLIS, where I help address student concerns and negotiate with staff to improve student experience. I'm also a Member of the Mature Students Advisory Board as well as the Faculty of Social Sciences Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board which are both roles where I advocate on behalf of marginalised groups within the uni that I belong to. Finally, before dropping out of the Uni of York, I was the President of the RAG society there, which gave me a tonne of experience organising many interesting events and initiatives!

Hi everyone, I’m Will and I have been social media secretary and marketing for two years. As a committee we have worked to make the society the success that it now is, with a large and active membership. Anybody that knows me knows that I am always up for a pint (just not the guaranteed hangover that follows) and that I love getting to know people. This society is the reason that I have made so many great and lasting friendships over the three years that I have been here. I believe as many people as possible deserve this opportunity. I also think that our society has proved the best for this and should continue to do so.
I would like to ensure that there is something for everyone, every week! Barbell was a lifeline for me throughout the pandemic, and remained so when I struggled with aspects of my personal life. Developing our socials offer even further–with my experience of it over the past three years–would I hope be of great benefit to the society and its members. We have seen a greater interest in non-drinking socials this year, so carrying this forward would be a priority. This helps to ensure we can reach more people regularly. There is so much to do in Leeds and the surrounding area, so taking forward the things we have done this year and building on that would be great. This also presents potential for collaborative socials with other societies, particularly the various sports teams that our university has. I am always keen to listen to advice or constructive criticism, and in this spirit I hope we can ensure that socials are enjoyable for everyone. That said, I love a rave and a house party so there will always be plenty of that with me! We have the scope to offer a bit of everything, so ensuring this is possible throughout the year will drive what I do. Further, ensuring our first couple of weeks demonstrates the diversity of our socials to freshers would be my first priority, as to retain interest and boost our membership.
I am passionate about a great many things (as some of you may know once I get going after a pint, or if you have seen my tweets lol), but the things I care about most are social mobility and inclusion. University can be an isolating experience or a great one. Therefore, I want to ensure that the society can continue to play its part in ensuring our members enjoy their time at university. We are fortunate in that we attract a broad cross section of people, not least in background but also in the various sports and activities that Barbell supports as a society. Creating a space for everyone is important, and ensuring everyone is respected is, too. As a gay person, university has been a bit of a journey for me, but this society has always felt like a safe place. This needs to be so for everybody. We are in a strong position to do that and I would welcome any advice to build on this further.
I will be a research masters student next year in early modern history, so I can commit as much time as is needed to the role given that nearly 100% of my time will be mine to organise (please can my hangovers not last two–TWO–days!)
Lastly, it would be great to be part of the committee again, in this different role, so that we can ensure the hard work of the past couple of years is carried forward. I hope you’re not sick of me yet xoxo

Hey everyone! I am running for the role of Social and Wellbeing Secretary to help improve upon the hard work of those on the current committee. I joined this year and being a part of this society has helped me gain a better drive and passion for the gym and life generally. I have met some wonderful, talented lifters, and have connections across the UK regarding training and well-being.

I have been powerlifting seriously for just under a year, and as someone who has struggled with the mental/emotional side of the sport, I know that this can be a limit on training effectively, and general enjoyment. Therefore, as Social and Wellbeing Secretary, I hope to be able to provide the necessary support to all in the society, particularly those who wish to compete, so that Barbell members can continue to perform at their best.

For over 6 months, I have been Secretary for SASHA society at the university, and this background in aiding students will be extremely helpful in this role. As part of my work, I have been in contact with the MP for Leeds City Centre, and closely work with the University of Leeds wellbeing team, with bi-monthly consistent meetings in place. These connections have opened up conversations regarding student well-being at the university, and how welfare officers in each society can be the best point of contact for societies and their members. As such, I would love to be able to contribute to Barbell by being a trusted safeguarding and welfare point of contact.

My work as secretary, alongside general university studies and part-time work, has also equipped me with a great sense of organisation and time management, which will be ideal for the organisation and publication of social events. I want to help arrange a variety of events for beginner and advanced lifters of all genders and abilities, and will commit to having at least one Social and Wellbeing Secretary present at each social (especially as a point of contact for well-being). Our socials have become increasingly creative and inclusive, and I would love to keep that going, with any suggestions welcome. And yes, paintballing is included in that.

My Instagram is livlifting if you have any questions - please don’t hesitate to message me!:)

Hey everyone!

I’m Leah, I’m a third-year student going into my masters at Leeds! I’ve been in Barbell soc 2 years, but some of you might not know me because I’ve been hibernating with my diss. I’m friendly, open minded and absolutely love a big night.

I’m running for social and wellbeing as I am keen to bring more of a balance to the society, with more fun drinking socials as well as sober ones so we can be a society who truly does both! I’m up for a classic mischief but also the occasional event (think old red, wire, beaverworks) for some variety, as well as opening up options of what kinds of nights members would like to go to and finding people to host house parties! I plan to make freshers week memorable for everyone with some Barbell specific events, so everyone gets to know each other from the get-go and there is no awkwardness! Secret socials where we get on a bus to a random location would be a fun idea too!

As well as loving a big one I’m also keen for sober socials such as wholesome hikes, trips to different gyms and camping trips in the dales. I plan to re-do our most successful socials from the past few years, such as climbing and trampolining and organise some zen socials for exam times, such as yoga or collaborations with other societies. I’m also up for encouraging meet ups outside of socials, like going to the park, pub trips and meals!

In terms of wellbeing, I’m 24 so I have lots of life experience – I’m very passionate about inclusivity and making everyone feel welcome from all backgrounds. I consider myself approachable if anyone needed a chat about anything regarding the society or otherwise! My insta is @lxah or fitness wise @leahscfit if you wanted to ask any questions!