Search Engage

Hello! My name is Clare, and I am currently a third year Chemical and Materials Engineering Student. I have loved my time within the society, but as with anyone I’ve experienced the intense stress that comes with being a university student. I believe it is of utmost importance to provide a safe space for all people including those who may be struggling, where we can all lift each other up and provide support. Sometimes a simple compliment from somebody is all that is needed to lift someone’s spirits!

Instagram Posts:
Instagram posts spreading appreciation for the work people do both in the society and in classes will most definitely continue. Alongside this, Welfare Wednesday posts will continue to provide advice and ensuring everyone is aware of where to find support if they’re struggling. I will also post Instagram polls for fellow society members to share their own advice for balancing university life and making their way through tough times.

Sober Socials:
It can be hard to form strong bonds with people in hectic environments such as classes and at clubs, so I hope that frequent sober socials will give people an opportunity to chat, swap social medias, and get to know each other better. These sober socials I plan to hold in cafés or in crossroads to provide a welcome break from the stress of university – with opportunities to enjoy playing Mario Kart, Just Dance, a quiz or just having a nice chat 😊.

Charity Events:
The other major part of this role is the charity events. We have had breast cancer awareness weeks and charity dance classes in previous years, and I plan to continue hosting these events, along with charity games nights and any other suitable events to support a chosen charity. I used to hold frequent charity bake sales and raffles within the Girlguiding association and at Church, so I am familiar with the process of choosing respectable charities to support and organising these events.
The Christmas fundraiser show was the main charity event this year and it was incredibly successful both as a show and a fundraiser due to the hard work of all the society members. Undoubtedly this event will continue, and I am eager to be involved in the organisation of this event to ensure a great experience for everybody. To ensure that everybody gets a say in this event, I will shortlist several suitable charities for this event to enable the entire society to decide on a preferred charity.

I hope to see you all next year!

Kira Hailey Manifesto- Welfare Rep.

Why should you vote for me?
If elected as your Welfare Representative for the upcoming 24/25 season, my primary goal will be to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth within our society. Fostering these three essential qualities is crucial for promoting a healthy and joyful community. At the core of my mission lies a deep desire to make every member feel valued, supported, and welcomed, irrespective of any circumstances they may face. During the previous competition season, I was honored to be recognised as our society's best supporter, which shows my nature is rooted in a deep desire to ensure every member feels cared for, supported, and loved. This recognition serves as a testament to my commitment to fostering a nurturing and compassionate environment within our community. My greatest aspiration is for every one of you to feel a sense of comfort in reaching out to me, whether it be with questions, requests for assistance, or suggestions on how we can collectively build the most caring and supportive dance society possible.

My propositions in this role for the 24/25 season:

1. Mindfulness Mondays:
This content will be shared through our society's Instagram page or included in the weekly email newsletter distributed by the secretary. Its purpose is to provide a means for starting the week on a positive note. This may take the form of a link to a guided meditation session on YouTube or an affirmation designed to cultivate a sense of positivity and rejuvenation as you embark on the new week.

2. Continual fundraising:
In addition to our regular performance-based fundraising efforts, I propose expanding our charitable revenue streams through alternative means. On a smaller scale, we could organise bake sales, providing an opportunity for our members to showcase their culinary talents while raising funds for our chosen charity. Furthermore, I envision undertaking a more significant fundraising initiative around the Christmas season, where we could rally together to create care packages for a chosen charitable cause, thereby extending our impact beyond our immediate community.

3. Sober socials and engagement with other societies:
Fostering a strong sense of community and providing opportunities for relaxation amidst the demands of university life are priorities for me. To that end, I aim to continue organising sober socials, which have proven to be a crucial avenue for our society to bond and unwind together. Building upon this initiative, I propose collaborating with other societies when planning these events. For instance, partnering with the Baking Society could lead to engaging activities that combine our shared interests, similar to the successful volleyball socials we held this year. Such collaborations not only strengthen connections between different societies but also offer our members a chance to forge new bonds within our community. Additionally, I envision expanding our sober social offerings to include game nights, movie nights, local day trips, and more, providing a diverse range of activities to cater to various interests and preferences.


4. Get-to-know sessions for freshers:
Welcoming new members, especially freshers, through sober socials is a fantastic approach. Organising coffee meetups, game nights, or Instagram Q&A sessions can provide a casual environment for them to integrate into our community. Continuing the "Give it a Go" sessions at the start of each term is also highly beneficial, as these sessions facilitate initial connections and friendships, just as they did for me when I first joined.

5. Continuing Welfare Wednesday posts and dancer of the week:
Welfare Wednesday posts serve as a regular platform to raise awareness and spread positivity within our society. These posts hold the potential to make members feel seen, heard, and acknowledged. Combining these elements, Welfare Wednesday is valuable to uphold as the Welfare Representative. Additionally, the Dancer of the Week initiative is an excellent means of fostering a positive spirit and driving motivation. It provides an opportunity to recognise individual achievements and share them with our community, celebrating the successes of our members.