Manifesto

Hey, my name’s Olivia. I run a mental health platform on YouTube called Transparency Mental Health and I’m a psychology student. I want to become the mental health officer because I’m passionate and dedicated to improving the experience of Roehampton’s students in university and in life.

I will do this by:

·         Spreading awareness on mental health including black mental health which is often disregarded or grouped as mental health as a whole. I believe black mental health should be a separate topic as there are issues that are unique to our experience due to our history and upbringing. These include generational trauma and academic attainment

·         Running regular mental health events/workshops and working with societies

·         Organising a ‘Psych-Sex Ed’ class - At university, students face high levels of mental distress and this not only effects our attainment but also how we interact sexually and romantically. ‘Psych Sex-Ed’ will be an educational support group which will be led by a mental health professional discussing topics relevant to sex and relationships. This will include:

- narcissistic abuse in relationships

- effects of sexual abuse

- link between sex and self esteem

- how to talk to children about sex, their bodies and sexual predators/paedophiles

- pressures men face in sexual or romantic relationships e.g. money, image and toxic masculinity

- sex addiction

- loneliness

- love

- coping with a HIV diagnosis

- telling a partner you have an STI

There will be guests talking about their experiences in abusive relationships, being married, living with a partner etc. These sessions will also give men and women insight on the opposite sex

·         Becoming a student rep at the British Psychological Society so I can promote and inform everyone about their events, awards and opportunities

·         Keeping up to date with latest research and discoveries relevant to the mental health of students and young people and also continuing to read credible news outlets and books and relaying this information in a monthly online newsletter (this will be sent via email)

·         Work with the wellbeing team to get more BAME counsellors within the counselling service