I want to ensure that we have a good range of groups that cover as many different topics and genres as possible to make sure that everyone has somewhere they feel they would want to join.While I understand the importance of more specific groups I would also like to work towards all "mainstream" groups being welcoming and inclusive, for example, if a disabled person wants to join one of the sports groups are we making sure they able to adapt and accomodate them?
While we work towards the groups being inclusive, we also have to understand that sometimes things dont go as planned and we need to have firm procedures in place so that if someone feels that they are having a negative experience, there is a clearly laid our, safe and confidential way to report this and that they all trust that the people they report it to will act accordingly.
I would also like to reinstate free period products into every bathroom on campus. In the past tampons and pads were free in bathrooms around campus and at somepoint in recent years this has fallen behind, leaving them less accesible for the student population. This is highly unfair as sanitary products like these are being taxed as if they are a luxury and not necessity, making them rise in prices and for certain parts of our student body, unaffordable.I also aim to put forward the need for our student mental health counsellors,
I have been informed in the recent weeks that there is talk of removing our mental health 1-1s on campus and i feel that if we want our students to receive the very best education possible, we must support their mental health to acheive all they can.
I think leading into inclusivity will help improve not only the social aspects of Edinburgh College, but also students learning experiences in every campus. We also have to remember that for some of our students, college might be there only time to get away and meet people of a similar age and interests - young carers for example. By introducing a way for students to speak up when they do NOT feel included, we might encourage people who maybe came to college after a dreadful school experience to join and make friends.
People who have perhaps been bullied at school might be less inclined to join a social group, especially one which has been set up purely for the reason they were bullied such as sexuality or learning difficulties. We can make college not just a place for learning but a place for moving forward.
I was that shy person who did not trust those around her and felt like she would never fit in. Thanks to the college, the friends I have made here I feel confident to be myself. The current system is not perfect but I feel passionately that it can be.
