Tell us about your role as Welfare Rep (from the Activities Exec)!
“My role as the Welfare Rep includes representing the eight incredible welfare societies that LUU has, playing a key role in allocating grants, assisting on the decisions about new society formations, and helping to plan the Riley Awards.”
What tips can you give students on creating a good work/life balance between their studies, social life, and any work responsibilities they may have?
“This is something I have mastered in my final year (which was needed!). My main advice is to use lists and calendar apps to help you manage your time. I use Outlook Calendar to keep track of my day. I will add a few hours in the library when working and at meetings. I also use a weekly to-do list to keep on top of my tasks – this helps me to stay on top of everything and get everything done! It is also important to take a break from uni work. Remember to always make time for breaks, pub trips with friends and society events!”
“In my role as Welfare Rep, I attend weekly in-person meetings. If I know I’m on campus that day, I will go to the library for a few hours before getting some uni work done. I schedule plenty of breaks throughout the day to keep a refreshed mind. After an Activities Exec meeting, I will go home, make dinner, and watch TV. Then I will do a few hours of work before heading to bed.”
What do you do to improve your wellbeing?
“This will be different for everyone, as we all have the things that help us feel better or less stressed! I enjoy going to the gym. I do this a few times a week, as it is an excellent way to take a break whilst still feeling productive.”
“Something I always recommend to others is doing activities with your friends. This could be seeing a new movie, attending a society arts and crafts event together or cooking dinner with each other. Taking a break from uni with your friends can be so refreshing.”
Tell us about LUU's welfare societies!
“We have eight welfare societies at LUU, all of whom advocate for different parts of student welfare and life – there is a welfare society for everyone!”
“Welfare societies are an integral part of LUU, as all eight societies help provide a safe space for students who need them. For example, SSAFE, SASHA, and LGBT Soc run events where students can chat with the committee members in a safe and comfortable environment. This can help students to open up. The societies also run campaigns to raise awareness for important issues. The Right to Walk has its annual Reclaim the Night, SSAFE runs mental health campaigns, and the Neurodivergent Society raises awareness about neurodivergence and how to support a neurodivergent person. Finally, I want to highlight that many welfare societies offer educational content. SASHA offers Consent and Active Bystander training, SSAFE offers suicide prevention training, and the British Sign Language Society hosts sign language lessons.”
What welfare societies does LUU have on offer?
British Sign Language (@bslsocleeds) – for students who want to learn more about deaf awareness, or learn/practice BSL. Their Instagram is a great place to start, as they post about their events and ‘Signs of the Week’ where you can practise your BSL!
Commuters Society (@leedscommuters) – this society supports students who commute to the University or live at home. They hold accessible events, foster a network of like-minded students, and work with the University to promote better inclusivity for commuter students.
LGBT+ Society (@luulgbtsoc) – this society provides a welcoming and liberating space for queer students at Leeds. They host a range of social events, such as club nights or film nights, and their weekly coffee hour, during which students can come and chat with their committee in a safe place.
Neurodivergent Society (@luuneurodivergentsociety)- this is the place for neurodiverse people (diagnosed or self-diagnosed) to come to for support and general hanging out! They run regular social events and have their own Instagram and a Discord server for members to have fun and chat.
SSAFE (Suicide Support and Awareness for Everyone) (@ssafeluu) – SSAFE run weekly events focused on improving student wellbeing. These have included ‘Tea and Talks’, Kitty Cafe trips and tote bag painting. They run multiple campaigns on their social media and in person, where you can learn more about mental health and suicide awareness.
SASHA (Students Against Sexual Harassment & Assault) (@sasha_uol) – SASHA offer a safe space to all students at the University and consistently creates change by raising awareness and campaigning against rape culture on campus and in the broader community. They run weekly ‘Sip & Social’ sessions to provide students with a creative and therapeutic outlet.
SSDP (Students for Sensible Drug Policy) (@ssdpleeds) – a group of students at the University who advocate for drug use and abuse to be legislated as a health and social issue. They deliver peer support, campaigns, and opportunities to learn about drug awareness.
The Right to Walk (@therighttowalk) – this society is an inclusive women-led community aiming to make Leeds a safer and more inclusive city for everyone. They run several campaigns yearly, including campaigning to make clubs and event spaces safer. They host regular social events open to all students, such as poster making, pub quizzes and discussions.
This article has been edited for clarity before being published.
