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Ahoy there hikers!




I’m Amelia and I would really love to be your Welfare Sec! 2022/2023 will be my fourth (and likely final ☹) year in LUUHC which is really crazy to think about, but it has without a doubt been the best part of my time in Leeds. I’ve been able to meet so many amazing people and go to so many amazing places that I otherwise never would have been able to – and that’s all thanks to the incredible committee this year and both years previously – so the chance to give a bit back and contribute to the running of the club would mean a lot.




I don’t think anyone in the club would argue that hiking is just so so so good for mental health and just feeling better in yourself in general, and LUUHC really amplifies this effect with the welcoming community it has created, providing not only exercise and fresh air (and maybe a bit of extra hydration from all the rain) but some lovely social connection as well. I’m sure this is part of the reason most of us were drawn to the club, and end up staying so long. I know that’s true for myself and that this year being able to get out more and do more than I ever have with the club (my first weekend trips!) has just been so beneficial after a difficult year inside and online. Getting back into the swing of hiking with the club this year has hit home for me just how much it can help. So I understand that there will be lots of members in the club that are here partly because of personal struggles and will need a friendly face and point of contact, and I would be really honored to be able to be that person for club members. Or even if anyone just needs somebody to talk to for whatever reason whatsoever.






My placement this year has been centered around working with volunteer groups outdoors, in which the majority of volunteers find us through the process of social prescribing. This is where individuals are referred to schemes and groups by their GP or any organization that can signpost them on. In this position I have received safe-guarding training and have gained a lot of experience with people venting their stresses and problems or even traumatic experiences to me – as we are in a strange position where we are not the authorities but are still an official organization who can direct people to the right places to seek the appropriate help, so people feel more comfortable sharing sensitive information with us. Not that this is the intended purpose of the volunteer groups, they only aim to provide social connection and time outdoors, it just ends up happening because of the nature of the work. From my placement I have also gained an understanding of the importance of being able to signpost people to appropriate services that will best serve their needs, so if elected I would make sure to build my knowledge of student-relevant services in Leeds that could be beneficial to any club members seeking help. Again, not that I needed any proof of the positive impact of being outdoors and social connection, but my experience with my placement has made me see just how true that is and the difference it can make to people’s lives.






On placement I also spend an alarming amount of time running around shooting kids with water guns dressed as a pirate or ship’s captain (see picture for reference) but despite this it is shockingly still a serious job that requires a lot of organization and liaising with different people and groups, as well as all the general admin and emailing that goes into the functioning of an organization. These are areas I really feel I could help out with as part of committee, especially as after being in the club for 3 years and living with committee members I have heard about a lot of the challenges that come with being on committee and dealing with the union – which I already have some experience and connections in after working there this year alongside my placement.






One final point, as a sustainability student currently working in conservation, I really care about the environment! So I would be really keen to lend a helping hand with any ways to make LUUHC more sustainable.






I really didn’t intend for this to be so long so thank you if you made it this far! In summary, please vote me for Welfare Sec/General Committee - Welfare!!






Amelia

Hello! I'm back, who'd have thought.

After much consideration I have decided to run for welfare sec this year.

This year even though it is only March (lol) has been a very bumpy ride so far for me- and I think I need more positive reinforcement in my life, and what better way to do this than to put some energy into looking out for other people in the club, without the stress of a 'Big Three' job!

I'd really like to put some more effort/time in to make friends and connections with people in the club (something I have historically struggled with), and work on myself whilst carrying out this role- because who doesn't love some personal development!

I have had a years experience on committee already, so hopefully I can provide some guidance and insight to the next committee and help out with little things here and there that may need doing.

I hope you will consider me to be you welfare sec 3