​Let’s start from last year. As academic representation officer began to review the dyslexia support that students can access from us and the University. From this, a few focus groups were formed and students gave us some valuable feedback! This year, we're continuing this work by gaining more student voice. We currently have a typeform for students to fill in, asking what support students are aware of and what dyslexia is. So far we have feedback from 60 students, which is great! Help us reach an even bigger audience by answering our questions here: https://form.typeform.com/to/gubUFZp1.

​For lifts, I’m in the process of looking into the weight restrictions. Students who rely on lifts are already limited by our campus, and should not be further limited by lifts that don’t work for them. This is not a tick box exercise, students should be able to access their education!
 
Whilst this is happening, I’m also reviewing how we view those who have a disability. If we’re going to be an inclusive organisation, we need to understand how to treat our students exactly as they are; students. We are not a representative organisation, so let’s at least get trained on how we can become aware and support those we represent.
 
I’m also looking into hearing loops across campus. Due to interference, not every room can have a built in hearing loop. However, other rooms that do not have one can use a portable hearing loop. Why does no one know this? Why do we not use portable hearing loops more often? How do we access them? These are questions that I’m looking to answer.
 
There’s still a lot of work to do. Whilst some areas are bigger to tackle than others, I’m continuing to have conversations with members across the university. Whether it’s about the campus physically, or the support the University and the Students’ Union offer to students, my goal is to break the barriers that students are facing. One barrier at a time. 

Thursday 10th September marks Suicide Prevention Day 2020, and now more than ever during the global pandemic, we need to help and support each other. 

We know that there is an alarming and growing rate of suicides in young people, and as a Students' Union, we feel that it is our duty to educate our students so that we can collectively help each other, and prevent as many of these tragedies as possible.

This is why your Students' Union are asking ALL NEWMAN STUDENTS to spend just 5 minutes of their time to complete at least 1 of 3 modules on the Zero Suicide Alliance website. 

These modules are completely FREE and what's more, if you screenshot your completion page or certificate, we will give you credits towards your Leadership & Development Programme Accreditation! To receive this accreditation, please send a screenshot of your certificate to Scarlet Moss, Employability & Voice Coordinator on: s.moss@newman.ac.uk .

There are three modules you can take, two are roughly 5 minutes long, while the third and more intense takes around 20 minutes to complete. They are:

Module 1: Step Up Module (5 Minutes)
The Step Up Module gives you a brief introduction to social isolation, and how to help someone who may be isolated. It covers how to adjust to the "new normal" following the Coronavirus and takes into account the changes in how many of us live and work.
https://www.relias.co.uk/hubfs/ZSA-StepUp/story_html5.html​ 

Module 2: Gateway Module (5 Minutes)
This is a very brief introduction to Suicide Awareness where you could learn skills to help someone considering suicide. This module will give you tips on how to approach someone if you are worried that they may be considering taking their own life.
https://www.relias.co.uk/hubfs/ZSA-GatewayModule/story_html5.html

Module 3: ZSA Suicide Awareness Training (20 Minutes)
This is a more in depth Suicide Awareness Training session. it aims to give you the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. It focuses on breaking the stigma and encouraging open conversations.
https://www.relias.co.uk/hubfs/ZSA-FullTraining/story_html5.html

PLEASE REMEMBER, THAT WHILE WE WANT TO RAISE AWARENESS, BREAK THE STIGMA, AND KNOW HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS, WE DON'T WANT STUDENTS TO FEEL LIKE THEY NEED TO BE A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOURSELF OR OTHERS IN DANGER, AND ALWAYS CALL 999 IN AN EMERGENCY.

Newman Students' Union has made a significant effort this year to support the wellbeing of its students and its staff. Earlier this year, NSU signed up to and are accredited by the "Time to Change" campaign, rethinking how we view mental health, while also supporting staff to manage working from home with it's new approach to flexible working, which in turn will enable them to effectively help our students.
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Please join us in our fight to improve the mental health of our community at Newman!