At Newman Students' Union, we recognise that many of our student population have parent or carer responsibilities. It is important that as an SU we build communities of students to share experiences, help each other, and provide the space to speak to us. Below are some of the way in which we have been doing this over the last few years.
PANELS AND NETWORKS
In 2021/22 we looked to launch a Parent and Carer Panel as part of our wider networks to work closely with some of the students who have felt underrepresented by their Students' Union in the past. If this is something that you may be interested in, please get in touch with the vice president.
We also trialled a Parent Network, which had more of a social aspect rather than a panel. Here students and staff could meet up every first Tuesday of the month to have those AHH moments. This took place in Senses Bar, 12:30-1:30pm. If you would like to see something like this again, get in touch!
We also trialled a Parent Network, which had more of a social aspect rather than a panel. Here students and staff could meet up every first Tuesday of the month to have those AHH moments. This took place in Senses Bar, 12:30-1:30pm. If you would like to see something like this again, get in touch!
COVID CARE PACKAGES
In the 2020 Global Pandemic, the General Manager of Newman Students' Union drove over 90 miles around the midlands to hand deliver 48 Care Packages to students who are parents. These packages provided a weeks worth of breakfast, lunch and activities for children who couldn't go to school due to lockdown.
This was followed up with another initiative in 2021, "Talk and Take", where packages were delivered by the staff and Officer team in exchange for a conversation on how we can improve our services.
This was followed up with another initiative in 2021, "Talk and Take", where packages were delivered by the staff and Officer team in exchange for a conversation on how we can improve our services.
PARENT FACILITIES
As your Students' Union, we have campaigned for even the smallest things for Student parents. While they might not be huge wins, we know that they make such a huge difference to those who need the support.
HIGHCHAIRS
In 2019 we campaigned for the Sanctuary to provide high chairs for those parents on site who may on the rare occasion need to bring their child onto Campus. You can access these now any time by asking at the service area.
BABY CHANGING MATS
In 2020, Newman Students' Union bought Baby Changing Mats for students to borrow in case your little ones have an accident! You can access these by popping into the SU Office by reception.
HIGHCHAIRS
In 2019 we campaigned for the Sanctuary to provide high chairs for those parents on site who may on the rare occasion need to bring their child onto Campus. You can access these now any time by asking at the service area.
BABY CHANGING MATS
In 2020, Newman Students' Union bought Baby Changing Mats for students to borrow in case your little ones have an accident! You can access these by popping into the SU Office by reception.
PARENT & CARER SURVEY 2020
In 2020, the Academic Representation Officer and Inclusions and Communities Coordinator conducted a research project to see how supported our Student Parents and/or Carers felt during their time at university. From this, a report was generated with recommendations for both the Students' Union and University to take on. You can find the report below:
| student_parent_carer_survey_report.docx |