African Caribbean Society: Welfare Officer

Hiya I’m Amelia and I’d love to be your ACS Welfare Officer for 2024-5!

I know just how overwhelming it can be trying to find yourself at uni, maintain grades, and balance a social life so I’d be honoured to be someone you can come to with any concerns or issues you may be having both inside and outside of ACS.

I’m really bubbly and chilled as person and I absolutely LOVE to have chat (even when I’m meant to be working )

As someone who has previously struggled with being shy and sometimes feeling out-of-place in big groups, I have a lot of empathy for others going through a similar thing. 

This is why I’d like to make wellbeing a priority for ACS. Here are some ideas as to how I’d do this:

- I’ll like run wellbeing events at least x2 a month

- I’ll provide more safe spaces/ ‘quieter’ events for those of us who are more introverted and perhaps more hesitant in big social situations

- I’ll have an open policy on NEURODIVERSITY, MENTAL HEALTH and EMOTIONAL (so feel free to message/chat at any point no matter how small/ niche the concern may seem!)

- I’ll make ACS more inclusive and representative for my fellow-Caribbeans 

If you have any questions at all or would like to get in touch, I live in the IOE (7th floor)xx

Alternatively, feel free to DM me @amjeanmarie7 :))

As your ACS welfare officer, I aim to be the person who is always here to speak with you about anything or everything that's on on your mind. I know that for me, it would've been so comforting to know that there is someone there to talk to who had been in the same position as me in their previous year, especially during the first term. It can be overwhelming and hard to get into a routine when we're all still trying to get used to the transition from school to uni in general.

For many of us current first years, it took us a while to find like-minded individuals in this society during the freshers period and the rest of the first half of term 1. For the next first years, or for those who still feel like they haven't met their platonic match yet, I want to make this easier. I intend on catering to as many personalities and interests that I, and the rest of the committee, can think of and create events that can ease the worry of not being able to find your people.

As well as tending to the needs of our members, the inner dynamic of the committee is key to the ACS as a whole. If the committee is smooth-sailing, the members are more likely to feel happy and fulfilled. Saying this, I will try my best to maintain a high-spirited, lighthearted energy between all committee members.

Having a friendly personality and being easy to get to know means, to me, that I'm the right person for this position. So I do hope that you give me the opportunity to take on this role and vote for me <3

As a dedicated Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion representative at the Institute of Americas, I’ve honed skills in fostering dialogue, attending workshops, and championing initiatives to amplify diverse voices. I believe these skills are invaluable for effectively serving as Welfare Officer for the African Caribbean Society at University College London.

Recognising the unique welfare needs of the African and Caribbean community, I propose initiatives tailored to our well-being. This includes providing spaces for expression, such as designated areas for boys to express themselves and well-being activities like hair braiding classes for women.In addition to collaborating with welfare officers for demographic-specific activities to boost community inclusivity.

Your well-being matters to me, and I am committed to extending our impact beyond campus borders by supporting African and Caribbean-based charities. Together, we can contribute meaningfully to the wider community while fostering a sense of pride and solidarity.

My involvement in the African Caribbean Society has not only enriched my university experience but also enabled me to forge lasting friendships and enhance my social skills. I aspire to be a facilitator in creating similar opportunities for others, regardless of their year of study.

Let’s redefine the role of the Welfare Officer as a beacon of positivity and support.

Thank you for considering me to be your next welfare officer!