Here are your candidates for Health, Social Care & Medicine President.

During this years nomination process, all candidates were asked to answer the following questions as part of their manifestos:

1. Ensuring that student feedback leads to tangible improvements is an important part of being an Elected Officer. How would you ensure that students feel heard and represented during your time in office?
2. Given the current financial pressures on both students and higher education institutions, how would you advocate for maintaining and enhancing student support services at Edge Hill University to ensure they are effective and accessible?
3. Considering the ongoing concerns about student wellbeing, how would you work to address mental health challenges and promote a supportive on-campus and off-campus culture at Edge Hill University? 
4. FACULTY SPECIFIC QUESTION: With many students undertaking demanding placements in healthcare settings, how would you campaign to ensure students are receiving appropriate support in terms of wellbeing and work-life balance, particularly during intense placement periods?

Please note: In the interests of fairness, the manifestos are published as submitted by the candidates. Edge Hill Students' Union has not edited any of the below manifestos. 

 

** SYED SHAHAB ALI **

Answer 1:

To ensure students feel heard and represented, I will implement a three-step feedback system: 

1. Accessible Channels: Create multiple platforms (e.g., online forms, suggestion boxes, and regular drop-in sessions) for students to share feedback easily and anonymously if preferred.  

2. Transparent Communication: Provide regular updates on how feedback is being addressed through social media, newsletters, and campus notices, ensuring students see their input driving change.  

3. Action-Oriented Approach: Work closely with the SU and university to prioritize actionable feedback, setting clear timelines for implementation. I will also host termly forums to discuss progress and gather further input.  

By fostering open dialogue and demonstrating tangible outcomes, I will ensure every student feels valued and empowered to shape their Edge Hill experience.

 

 

Answer 2:

To maintain and enhance student support services amid financial pressures, I will:  

1. Lobby for Increased Funding:Work with the SU and university to secure additional funding for mental health, academic, and financial support services, highlighting their critical role in student success.  

2. Optimize Resources:Advocate for efficient use of existing resources, such as expanding online support tools and peer-led initiatives to reduce costs while maintaining quality.  

3. Partnerships and Grants: Seek partnerships with local organizations and apply for external grants to fund new wellbeing programs and hardship funds.  

4.Student Priorities:Regularly consult students to identify their most pressing needs, ensuring services are tailored and accessible, such as extending counselling hours and offering hybrid support options.  

By combining strategic advocacy, resource optimization, and student input, I will ensure support services remain effective and accessible for all.

 

 

Answer 3:

To address mental health challenges and promote a supportive culture, I will:  

1. Expand Support Services: Advocate for 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources, including online platforms for immediate help.  

2. Raise Awareness: Organise campaigns and workshops to reduce stigma, educate students on mental health, and promote self-care practices.  

3. Peer Support Networks: Establish peer mentoring and buddy systems to foster a sense of community and provide informal support.  

4. Safe Spaces: Create dedicated wellbeing zones on campus and collaborate with local businesses to offer student-friendly, off-campus spaces.  

5. Regular Check-Ins:Implement termly wellbeing surveys to identify emerging issues and tailor support accordingly.  

By combining accessible services, awareness initiatives, and community-building efforts, I will ensure Edge Hill students feel supported both on and off campus.  

 

 

Answer 4:

To support students on demanding healthcare placements, I will:  

1.Placement Support Officers: Advocate for dedicated staff to provide guidance and address placement-related concerns, ensuring students feel supported throughout.  

2. Flexible Wellbeing Services: Expand access to out-of-hours counselling and online resources tailored to placement students’ schedules.  

3. Peer Networks: Establish placement-specific support groups, enabling students to share experiences and advice.  

4.Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Promote workshops on time management and stress reduction, and collaborate with placement providers to ensure reasonable workloads.  

5. Regular Check-Ins: Implement structured check-ins with placement students to identify challenges early and provide timely support.  

By prioritising tailored resources and fostering a supportive community, I will ensure healthcare students thrive during their placements.