Xanthe Bird - Vice President Inclusion

I am standing to be your Vice President Inclusion because inclusion is not an abstract idea to me, it is personal. I come from a humble background, and I know first-hand how transformative access to opportunity can be. Programmes such as Widening Participation are not just initiatives on a website; they are lifelines. They create pathways for students like me to see ourselves at university, to believe we belong here, and to access spaces that once felt out of reach. Without that support and outreach, I may never have imagined myself in higher education.

Because of this, I deeply appreciate the work Southampton already does to broaden access and support students from underrepresented backgrounds. Financial assistance schemes, mentoring networks, wellbeing services, and academic support programmes all play a crucial role in helping students thrive. 

However, inclusion is not a finished project: it is an ongoing commitment. If elected, I will work to ensure that we not only maintain these initiatives but strengthen them through listening, collaboration, and action.

One area where change is urgently needed is at Glen Eyre: for many students living there, access to affordable food is limited. The lack of convenient and reasonably priced grocery options effectively makes the area a food desert. For students without cars, those on tight budgets, or those balancing work and study, this is not a minor inconvenience, it directly impacts wellbeing and academic performance. Inclusion means ensuring that where you live does not determine your ability to access basic necessities. I will push for improved food provision, partnerships with local vendors, and practical solutions shaped by the students who live there.

Mental health support is another area requiring attention. Whilst Southampton offers counselling and wellbeing services, long waiting times can leave students struggling in silence. When someone reaches out for help, timing matters. I want to work closely with the university to explore ways to reduce waiting times, increase visibility of interim support, and ensure that no student feels forgotten once they ask for help. 

Accessibility must also remain central to our agenda. Inclusion is not only about who enters our university but about how easily they can move through it. Physical accessibility across campuses, clear signage, accessible teaching materials, and inclusive event planning should be standard, not afterthoughts. I will advocate for regular accessibility audits and meaningful consultation with disabled students to ensure their lived experiences shape practical improvements.

Finally, our campuses should reflect the diversity of the students who inhabit them. The design and decoration of our spaces influence who feels welcome. I want to create more opportunities for students to contribute to discussions about how our campuses look and feel- from artwork and cultural representation to communal spaces that foster belonging.

Inclusion is about dignity, access, and voice. If elected as your VP Inclusion, I will work to ensure that every student, regardless of background, circumstance, or identity, not only has access to this university, but truly feels they belong.