Hello Roehampton, 

My name is Oli and I am a third year Psychology and Counselling student with the dream of becoming your next VP community and welfare officer. Some of you may know me as your senior flat rep, others may know me as a Bystander, but I am sure most of you will know me as your current mental health officer.

My motivation:

Throughout my time at Roehampton, I have experienced what it truly means to be a part of a community. I have been supported through my darkest times and celebrated through my brightest. As your current mental health officer and as a flat rep, I have seen the challenges that you are confronted with on a daily basis. I have seen the pain and the trauma that the pandemic has triggered. I have seen how hard you all fight for what is just, despite the hurdles that lie in your way. I have seen you. Now I want to support you.

If elected, I will:

• Provide night buses for students living on Whitelands college and Danebury Avenue, to ensure your safety when leaving the library late or attending an evening event. After the awful case of Sarah Everard and the countless reports of physical and sexual violence, it is crucial that our safety is put first.

• Team up with Talk Wandsworth to provide workshops on living with trauma, coping with bereavement and managing self-harm. We have all experienced a variety of challenges during the pandemic and therefore, it is pivotal that help is available. No matter what you are going through, I want to do everything in my power to give you the support that you deserve.

• Ensure that all flat reps are given further incentives for their hard work, such as Deliveroo vouchers, a discount on student accommodation and full acknowledgment of all the work done throughout the year via certificates, awards, and references for future employment.

• Organise support groups tackling mental health challenges among performers and sports players, focussing on issues surrounding body image, debilitating injuries, and the recent decline in support for these industries.

• Lead a campaign in aid of Revolt Sexual Assault, to provide further awareness of sexual assault and harassment among university students in the UK. 

• Work with the events team to provide in-person events, such as club nights, karaoke and quizzes as soon as the restrictions are eased. 

• Do monthly podcasts with part-time officers, addressing important topics, such as racism, sexism, disabilities and mental health. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me on this email address: Ottawayo@roehampton.ac.uk. By voting for me, you will be given a voice, a voice that will speak the unspoken and demand justice for all. Please consider me as your next VP community and welfare officer. 

If you want it done the proper way, vote for Oli Ottaway!