Sign Language Society: Welfare Officer

In any society it is important for all of the members to feel connected and have a safe space that will be available and accessible for everyone. I want to create separate events for the society that helps and supports members who may be struggling with things outside and inside sign language classes. I believe that I will be able to connect with the members and help to create an even more welcoming environment for the society and classes.

I have had experience running previous welfare sessions in high school, volunteering with mental health charities for the last few years, as well as experience through my degree (Psychology and Language Sciences) on how to handle and help mental health. 

Through this role I want to establish weekly sessions outside of sign language classes for the members to have a space to talk about any issues they are having. I want to set up social events that explore mental heath in the d/Deaf community and mental health in general, how to sign it and talk about it, to educate, inform and interest people in the society. 

Finally, I want to be there to make sessions more accessible for people; for example for those who are less confident to come to sessions, I want to be able to help by encouraging those who are struggling or not as confident so that the sessions are as fun as possible for everyone! 

Hello! I am Ida, BASc student going into my final year and I'd love to be your welfare officer, hopefully some of you recognise me :0

I was a freshers rep in 2021/22 then took over as president in 22/23, like many other society leaders during that time, I gave my heart and soul to build up SLS after covid and was rewarded to see it flourish from 1 class a week to 3 with over 200 members! By voting for me you allow me to continue to contribute for my last year in UCL :)

Some reasons I would like to be the welfare officer this time:

- As president of SLS I went through the ASIST in person training for suicide prevention  

- I worked with the Olly's Future foundation to organise an online suicide prevention training session for our members

- I would like to offer a link/conflict resolution between our teachers and our students who may not wish to discuss any issues directly or wish to remain anonymous 

- I would like to work with the events officer to make sure our events are as accessible to all students as possible (e.g wheelchair access, dietary restrictions, alcohol-free events, subtitles in movie screenings etc.)

- Help plan some relaxing/fun events, so on top of classes we all have a chance to socialise  

- Help in any other way outside my role when the committee might need me!

This position would mean a lot to me, I have many ideas for the coming year and I hope to be seeing you all around again!