Officer Blogs

Wellbeing Officer Blog

Hi, I'm Zoe. I came to Keele in 2022 to study Biochemistry and Neuroscience. For those of the more mathematically astute, that means I have not yet finished my degree and will be continuing my studies after carrying out my Wellbeing role.

Last year I was working as a Casual Centre Assistant in the Sports Centre, as well as secretary of Boatclub (both places full of lovely people).

Outside of my role I love to go to the gym; I am a qualified PT and have chosen to specialise in powerlifting at the start of this year, approaching 3 years of gym experience. I am a prime advocate of getting people to actually enjoy fitness and the immense consequential effects this has on people’s wellbeing.

I also enjoy reading, playing bass and drinking tea in local coffee shops.

Priorities:

  • Battling student loneliness with more student-focused, interconnected services and genuine communication between the University and our SU services.
  • Reviewing how student data is collected and used within the University. Utilising this data as evidence to lobby the University for change in University spaces and how students can use them.
  • Promoting more visibility and awareness of the Officer team to students and what we do.

I love Keele because (surprise) the people in it are lovely, and I thoroughly appreciate the connections I have made. As well as (again, surprise) the nature and green campus, especially during springtime.

What advice would you give to students this year?

Getting one minute of sunshine can sometimes flip a bad day around. Also, never listen to sad music when you feel bad, it never ends well.

Talk to me about:

  • Where to go in the University for support (whether personal, financial or otherwise)
  • Difficulties experienced with the services provided by the University or Keele Students’ Union (Ie. Student Services, ASK or other supporting staff)
  • Accessibility issues on campus
  • If you feel that Keele is unsafe in any capacity
  • How to make Keele more inclusive, diverse and equitable environment for students
  • Tackling structural discrimination within the University (BAME, women, Disabled and LGBTQ+ students)

 

December AGM 2024

Posted on Mon 02 Dec 2024 at 15:27

Hey guys! Hope your semester is going well so far and you’re taking care of yourselves.

This year nearly £4,000 was raised for Movember at Keele, with over 23 sports clubs actively participating in fundraising and advocating for men’s health. More than a quarter of the total was contributed by 9 women-dominated clubs through stalls on nights out, highlighting their solidarity and reinforcing the message that men’s health is a concern for everyone.

I gathered many personal stories from students, as well as the Vice Chancellor and Steve from the Sports Centre, to bring a heartfelt connection to the cause. I also launched an ongoing series titled “What Does Masculinity Mean to You” to highlight the diversity of men’s experiences.

As a strong advocate for neurodivergent inclusivity, I have continued to actively pursue multiple funding opportunities to establish a sensory and wellbeing room within Keele Students’ Union for students to destress and have space to chill. On top of this, having discussions with the Library team to implement a tea and coffee station (although bit more complicated than first planned!).

Cooperated with Student Services to prevent any future dead-naming of trans students during graduation ceremonies, ensuring forms are sent out in good time for the winter ceremony and planning a more permanent solution for next summer.

Collaborated with a chain of pharmacies in the North West to offer a free NHS online service, enabling students to access contraceptive pills at no cost.

Pushing for “Keele Induction” to be shorter, more engaging, and tailored to the individual needs of each student.

Participated in the Phil Soar Scholarship panel to select students for funding.

Thanks for reading and take care,

Zoe