Hiking Club: Welfare & Outreach Officer

My name is Katherine, and I’m running to be your Welfare & Outreach Officer for next year!

If you’ve been on hikes with the club this year, there’s a good chance you already know me as a walk leader. I’ve had a great time meeting you all so far, and am excited to apply what I’ve learnt about what makes the club so wonderful to help improve it even further. I originally took up hiking for the sake of my own mental health, and so want to help promote this side of it – hence running for Welfare Officer!

I also have experience on society committees – during my undergrad, I spent two years on a committee in Cambridge. My responsibilities there included organising events to meet everyone’s different needs despite extra difficulties due to the pandemic. These included outreach events with other universities and a variety of wellbeing events, giving me experience I can directly apply to a role as your Welfare & Outreach Officer.

If elected, I will work to keep the club as welcoming as possible, for both experienced hikers and complete beginners. I will reach out to other societies at UCL to organise exciting collaborations, as well as to societies at other universities to allow us to get to know the rest of London’s hiking community. I care deeply about mental health, and as such will make sure to arrange welfare events all year round, with a variety of styles to make sure there is something for everyone.

Whoever you vote for, I hope to see you on many more hikes in the future!

Dear Fellow Hikers,

Exciting news! I'm entering the race for Welfare and Outreach Officer within our esteemed UCL Hiking Club. From muddy treks to unforgettable wildlife encounters, and from scaling heights to witnessing splendid vistas - this club has truly enriched my life. Now, I'm also challenging myself by embarking on the 800km journey along Spain's Pilgrim's Road.

However, above all these awe-inspiring experiences, it's the 'people' who have made this journey truly unforgettable. The camaraderie and diverse perspectives within our club have enriched my experience immensely, from sharing tales of adventure to engaging in heartfelt chats with such an eclectic group of outdoor enthusiasts.

If elected, my commitment is to invigorate our discord and personal interactions, and promote a supportive environment with emphasis on mental and physical wellbeing.

As for outreach, I have exciting plans for creating inclusive events that can involve members from other clubs, with the aim of strengthening existing relationships and establishing alliances with similar-minded organizations.

Stay tuned for more detailed plans and ideas that I am eager to bring to the table. I am looking forward to infusing a fresh wave of enthusiasm into our beloved club!

Onward,

Jimmy Lee

Joining Hiking club at the start of this year was one of my best decisions and I want to play a role in shaping the club to be Hiking club the most welcoming club at UCL!

I have strong organisational and collaboration skills (studying at BSP means assessment is group projects!) and enjoy engaging and interacting with people. I have connections at other unis through volunteering and I have worked with the Students Union as a member of Welcome Crew. I have experience in Welfare & Outreach being a Bartlett Student Ambassador, UCL Welcome Ambassador and a Transition Mentor, roles which involve welcoming and creating safe spaces for both prospective and new students.

I aim to:

• Create an open atmosphere on hikes where everyone feels safe and included by encouraging hikers to chat with each other
• Establish a buddy system, so hikers can feel less nervous if they are attending a hike alone/for the first time
• Promote the benefits of mental health through hiking and outdoor activity to non-members, and promote similar outdoorsy volunteering opportunities, (such as with UCL Green Walkers) to existing members
• Organise outreach events with committee and students union to increase cross-societal events and engagement opportunities

The nature of hiking is social and inclusive, so I aim is to strengthen and build on this by organising outreach events and establishing an open atmosphere during hikes, and I would love to use my organisation and communication skills to deliver this!