Hello! My name is Lydia, and I am running for The Vice President of Welfare and Community. I am running because I am autistic myself, and I would like to implement projects that would have helped me when I first started at BU.
I am the creative director of The Sanctuary project, a heritage, craft and wellbeing hub. This is a community project based in the department of archaeology and anthropology, so I have experience promoting wellbeing and community already. I would love to bring everything I have learned from this project to the wider BU community. I have previously been involved with SUBU as a PAL leader and student rep.
Key campaign points:
- To boost the welcoming vibe of BU for all new students, particularly neurodivergent students. ?
This is important because the transition to university can be overwhelming and stressful for some students. Other universities offer Acclimatisation Events for new students on the Autism Spectrum or students who have similar difficulties, and I would like to implement this at BU. This would involve a wellbeing introduction and other advice talks along with a detailed tour of talbot and Lansdown campus, including a chance to meet others, ask questions, and reflect.
- To promote mental health first aid on campus. ?
This issue is important because mental health first aid training plays a crucial role in promoting mental health literacy, reducing barriers to care, and ultimately improving outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. I would like to make this training for staff and students more accessible by bringing it to the BU campus for in person sessions.
- To continue the work of previously elected vice presidents.
Previous candidates were elected for a reason and their projects such as reducing exam stress and implementing designated smoking areas are important.