The idea

When I started university last year, I searched for LUU Engage for the social work society, and once I realised that there wasn’t one, I decided that I would be the one to start it up. Our main goal with this society is to bring people together, social workers and alternative degrees, to create a group of people who support each other with friendship being the tone of the society. With social work being such a small course, I think expansion is key whilst also aligning with the morals and ethics of social workers; kindness, inclusion and humility.  

Additionally, after the agreement of many people on the course and the lack of sense of community for Social Workers outside of the classroom, I decided the commitment to a ‘Society’ was the best route to realise the needs of Social Workers at the University of Leeds. Perks such as funding opportunities, event tickets, use of the university's facilities, frequent meet ups, alcoholic and non, all align with the values of anyone who may wish to join. We gracefully extend the invitation to join to non-Social Work students, the main reason being that inclusivity is what we stand for at our core.  

A sense of togetherness is essential for the optimal university experience and there’s no better way to implement said experience than a society. We encourage members to take a no pressure approach, we don't want to run a society with strict attendance, our aim is laid back, it’s casual, fun and on the student’s schedule. Nobody will be penalised for not showing up to an event, a safe space for all is what we are creating.  

I believe we can create a society that the Social Work students have been missing, as well as others. To be recognised as an official society will bring a sense of community for Social Workers across all three years, and the encouragement between first, second and third years is extremely pertinent within our society. I have noticed a ‘gap in the market’ and I truly believe I can provide the means to fill this gap. 

The ambition of the society

The ambition of the new social work society is to promote awareness, encourage personal growth, and support well-being among students from all backgrounds and degree programs. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to connect and share their experiences. 

To achieve this, we will offer a diverse range of activities, including both drinking and non-drinking socials, bowling nights, coffee mornings, and study sessions, providing opportunities for social engagement and relationship-building. By focusing on equality and diversity, we aim to foster an open space where individuals can comfortably express themselves and seek support. 

In addition, we are committed to collaborating with local charities, including Student Minds, to enhance our community impact and provide valuable resources. Through these partnerships, we hope to raise awareness about mental health and social issues while also promoting volunteer opportunities for members. 

Ultimately, our ambition is to create a vibrant and supportive community that not only encourages personal development but also advocates for social justice and well-being, making a meaningful difference both on campus and in the wider community. 

Objectives of the society 

1. Foster Community and Connection: Our first objective is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that encourages students from all backgrounds and degree programs to build meaningful relationships. By organising various social events—such as bowling nights, coffee mornings, and both drinking and non-drinking socials—we aim to facilitate interactions that help students form friendships and support networks. This sense of community is essential for personal well-being, as it allows members to share experiences, seek advice, and feel a sense of belonging on campus. By welcoming students from all disciplines, we promote diversity and encourage a rich exchange of ideas, further enhancing personal growth. 

2. Promote People’s Voices and Personal Growth: We strive to empower members by promoting their voices and encouraging personal development. This objective involves providing a platform for students to express their thoughts, share their stories, and engage in workshops, debates, and discussions about important social issues. By offering opportunities for skill-building activities, we aim to help students develop their confidence and abilities. This focus on personal growth will enable members to explore their passions and aspirations while supporting each other in their journeys. 

3. Promote Awareness and Education: Our third objective is to raise awareness about social issues, mental health, and the importance of social work through educational initiatives. We will collaborate with organisations such as Student Minds to host informative workshops, debates, and discussions that highlight relevant topics and challenges. In addition, we plan to organise small fundraisers such as bake sales, charity runs, craft fairs, and quiz nights to support our initiatives and collaborate with local charities. By fostering a culture of learning and community involvement, we aim to equip members with the knowledge they need to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. 

Together, these objectives and fundraising ideas will help us build a vibrant society that nurtures connections, empowers individuals, and fosters awareness, ultimately contributing to a more compassionate and informed campus community. 

The types of activities we would like to run -

Social Activities: 

Bowling Nights: Fun evenings out where members can relax, socialise, and enjoy some friendly competition. 

Coffee Mornings: Informal gatherings for members to chat, ask questions, share experiences, and build connections over coffee. 

Both Drinking and Non-Drinking Socials: Inclusive events that cater to all preferences, fostering a relaxed environment for social interaction. 

Union Events: Participation in university union activities to engage with a wider student community. 

Otley Runs: Organising themed bar crawls for members to experience local nightlife in a fun, group setting. 

Movie Nights: watching popular films or documentaries, creating a relaxed atmosphere for bonding. 

Ice Breaker Events: Activities designed to help members get to know each other and feel comfortable within the group. 

Games Nights: Organising board games or video game nights for casual fun and interaction among members. 

Educational Activities: 

Workshops: Skill-building sessions on topics such as mental health first aid, communication skills, or conflict resolution. 

Debates and Discussions: Engaging forums where members can explore social issues, share perspectives, and enhance critical thinking. 

Fundraising Activities: 

Bake Sales: Organising bake sales on campus to raise funds while bringing the community together through delicious treats. 

Charity Runs: Hosting fun runs or walkathons to encourage fitness and community participation, with funds raised going to local charities. 

Craft Fairs: Showcasing handmade crafts or art created by members, with proceeds supporting society initiatives. 

Quiz Nights: Fun, themed quiz events where participants can compete in teams, with entry fees contributing to fundraising efforts. 

Community Engagement: 

Volunteering Opportunities: Partnering with local charities, such as Student Minds, for volunteer projects that allow members to give back to the community and gain practical experience. 

Awareness Campaigns: 

Awareness Days: Hosting events to highlight specific social issues or mental health topics, eg: mental health awareness days. 

Events so far:

Our Social Work Society has had a fantastic start, with excellent engagement and strong turnouts at all our events. Each has been thoughtfully designed to foster connection and inclusivity. For Bonfire Night, members collectively contributed to buying fireworks, creating a shared experience that brought everyone together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The O2 night out was a lively social event where members bonded over music and conversation, while the quiz night encouraged teamwork and laughter in a fun, welcoming setting. The Otley Run offered a chance to explore Leeds casually and creatively, and our Paint and Yap session, held in recognition of Mental Health Day, provided a calm and supportive space for creativity, conversation, and reflection.

To ensure members stay informed and engaged, we actively use Instagram, WhatsApp, Teams, and the Lounge to share event updates and gather feedback. We’re also looking forward to upcoming events like a festive Christmas meal, a coffee walk and stroll, and an exciting Night at Carousel, which promises to be a vibrant evening that continues our commitment to inclusivity and community.

Our Slogan 

Our slogan is "Your Soc, You Say, Soc Soc," which reflects our commitment to promoting an environment where members feel empowered to speak up and share their ideas. We encourage everyone to express what they would like to do, and we will work together to make those initiatives happen. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also ensures that our society is responsive to the needs and interests of our members. 

By organising a diverse range of activities and embracing our slogan, we aim to create a vibrant and engaging community that supports personal development, promotes awareness, and fosters strong connections among members. 

Our Society Committee

The Social Work Society is led by a dedicated team of students committed to creating an inclusive and supportive community. Meet the team: 

President – Alyssa Elizabeth Gardner

Secretary – Allie Jo Sykes

Treasurer – Millie Griffiths

Mental Health & Wellbeing Officers – Millie Bowker, Skye Leach, Florence Duggan, Luanna Menezes Agius Hamlet

Social Secretaries – Molly Devlin, Charlotte Upton, Abbie Brown