Student Life Zone (21st November 2016)

Apologies were received from VP Welfare David Allwright. 

In David’s absence Elliot welcomed everyone to the meeting and ran through the apologies.

Elliot explained the process for Open Places and encouraged those who wished to nominate themselves to pass on their email address to George.    

Housing Officer Louise Bellamy updated everyone on ‘House of Horrors’ as part of the Don’t Rush to Rent campaign.  She felt it went well, and engaged with a lot of students, who are now hopefully spreading the word.    

She is also planning on recording a 12 days of Christmas song with a housing theme including landlord specific lyrics.

In the absence of David’s report Alex suggested discussing the increase in Halls fees.  Alex reported that he has seen a rise from £126 per week to £145, which is a big jump.  The group discussed the current strikes around rent.  Does the union want to lobby this issue?  It was decided that a good idea would be to compare the increase in rent and the loans available to students, and gather some data on the issue.  As often money issues are linked to mental health issues.  The group agreed involving the Halls committee at the next meeting would be the next step.

George updated the group on YAMT.  Currently in the planning stage for January. 

Arranging the Guide Dogs again – maybe as a ‘puppy room’

Ideas were discussed for a big event, something cathartic and active.  Blow up obstacle course, giant ball pit, or maybe a dance to ‘naff music’ event – dancing it out, an early night to destress, Macarena or a conga line.

Potted plants to PHD students, lavender or cactus.

David had suggested distributing soup, however the group felt that smoothies would be easier, could also provide the recipes. Handing out around revision time, apples could be an option, and a healthy recipe book. 

The group spoke about healthy snacks while revising in the library, Elliot reported that he is currently having talks with the university about a microwave in the library.  It was suggested it would be more ideal if there was an accessible place open late (or a bit later than normal) to heat up food, maybe an open area in the Union building with beanbags.    

Posters seem really effective, Louise has had conversations with students and is also informing them that housing information will be given out in the New Year. 

George informed the group that David is in talks with Movem – a housing review website.

As part of the campaign David had wanted to film a ‘pool video’ – (Diving in to soon) however George is having difficulties in arranging this with Jubilee, this idea may have to be shelved for now. 

George asked the group for ideas on how to distribute the free condoms to Halls.  It was agreed that the Welfare Officers could take charge of distribution, providing enough condoms for around 1/3^rd of each Halls, making them available to collect within the common spaces.  Also making sure they are also keeping track of how many are being taken. Elliot advised making sure we have the name and email of who is responsible at each of the Halls. 

Timeline- it was thought that before Christmas and during refreshers would be suitable.       

Marketing – The group felt there should be sufficient marketing.  As well as normal online marketing also potentially including posters on the distribution boxes.  Tim suggested including useful information on them, such as don’t keep in your wallet!

George informed the group that David is in talks with Shreya, he also reminded everyone that the Student Support Symposium was that evening.   

David is looking at a campaign around resilience, with a target launch of March, to tie in with the University. 

Louise spoke to the group about her recent Look After Your Mate Training, and how useful she found it.  She also raised the issue that there is little information about panic attacks and how to deal with this- how to get this information out there.

Possibly a poster with top 5 things to do…or not.  How to handle the situation and awareness of what to do.  Tim suggested a week of talks on mental health.    

The group also discussed timetabling around exams, knowing your rights and clarity around who to speak to. 

Tim mentioned LGBT are looking at getting talks going, so it would be good to tie in with those. 

Louise spoke about support groups, involving student minds and student groups to get the message out. 

It was decided that there should be two campaigns, in March a general campaign, getting the information out. With another one in May, to tie in with You Are More Than, and focus on Exams and other relevant issues to back up the March campaign. 

Alex updated the group on his attendance at a Prevent confrerence with David that was encouraging the monitoring of extreme attitudes/terrorism in student groups.  The committee discussed what the Union could do and if we going to take a stance on this. David is currently working with the university to improve the comms around Prevent.    

It was suggested that we could work with the debating society to bring this to a wider audience, and get a debate around the topic going, with good speakers on both sides, for and against.