I am a mature student and Mother of four boys, I was born in Glasgow. I am currently a full-time student at the UWS Lanarkshire Campus completing my Honours Year in Childhood Studies. I completed my Undergraduate degree and have been at the University for nearly 3 years. During my time at University I have worked as a student mentor, and I helped during student inductions.

Having children with ADHD and on the Autism Spectrum I have personal experience dealing with the difficulties that arise from mental health. The month after starting University, my son was diagnosed with a genetic rare blood disease which could delay his lifespan the only long-term cure is a bone marrow transplant. Upon receiving this tragic news, I thought my world had come to an end. I wanted to leave University but my PDP Lecturer, convinced me to stay. The support and understanding from the university staff, lecturers and class mates was very generous and much appreciated.

I completely understand the challenges we must overcome when returning to full-time Education like University, and I can empathise completely with the difficulties students face. I myself had to put on a brave face and just stay dedicated and focussed to reach my end goal which was to achieve my degree. University to me has been a positive distraction from the challenges life has thrown at me, and being a full time student has helped me socially to build good relationships with my lecturers and other students.      My confidence levels have grown, and I have become  more competent in my role working with children and I have mentally become a much stronger person and I am more capable to face life’s challenges.

If successful in securing the role as Sabbatical Officer, I can offer all students various levels of support including signposting you to the relevant support groups available to University students, my focus will be to help students feel better about themselves and improve confidence levels, manage stress and improve resilience skills.  

Your Health and Wellbeing is my priority. When you are mentally strong you can achieve anything in life. STAY POSITIVE, STAY AMBITIOUS, STAY STRONG.

Why should you vote for me? If elected I pledge to do the following:

• ·         Helping students to discuss barriers to education: Having non-judge mental qualified staff, that listen.

• ·         Helping students manage stress, and develop resilience coping strategies: Offering support groups, resilience training workshops.

• ·         Raising awareness of mental health support available to help students: Develop strategies to tackle mental health, educate students, promote           inclusiveness and acceptance.

**Remember to be different is not strange it just means you are unique**

“Vote Online at www.sauws.org.uk from Monday the 2^nd March until Thursday the 5^th March 2020.