As the term unfolded, Cardiff Students' Union continued its commitment to fostering democracy among its student body. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in November brought together 899 engaged students who actively participated in lively discussions and voting on 5 key motions. The event, which was also live-streamed to proxy voters, marked a triumph in making democracy inclusive and accessible to all students.
Following the success of the Autumn Elections, the By-Elections in November garnered an impressive 261 votes. The election resulted in the appointment of La'shaunna Williamson as the new Anti-Racism Officer for the 23-24 academic year, along with 50 other roles, including NUS delegate and Student Senate positions.
Movember, Pink Week and Sober Socials Week
November saw the union actively supporting global initiatives, with Movember taking centre stage. In collaboration with Sober Socials Week, Sabbatical officers organised 'Walk and Talk' events, encouraging open conversations about physical and mental health. The student body, including sports clubs and societies, rallied together, raising over £80,000 for men's health causes, and hosting various well-being and fundraising events throughout the month.
Sober Socials Week itself saw an impressive turnout, with Sabbatical Officers arranging walk-and-talk events to promote socialising without alcohol. Over 75 student groups enthusiastically participated, contributing to an inclusive atmosphere on campus.
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), and Cardiff Students' Union joined in the global effort to raise awareness. Our Pink Week was dedicated to spreading the word about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as the importance of regular self-examination. We encouraged hundreds of students to take charge of their health and seek support when needed during the week of October 23rd to 29th.
Through outreach stalls, craft evenings, glittering events at YOLO and even a dodgeball tournament, we managed to engage with 789 of you, with many signing up to CoppaFeel's text reminder service to check your chest. It's not too late to sign up either, follow the information on the Pink Week page.
Carers Rights Week
VP Postgrad, Micaela, took the lead in raising awareness for student carers during Carers Rights Week. Through engaging with over 100 individuals at three stalls and reaching nearly 3000 accounts via social media, the campaign successfully informed students about their rights and available support. The Carers Rights Quiz attracted 133 participants, further solidifying the impact of the initiative.
You can find out more about what Micaela is up to here.
Black History Month and Afrogene Celebration
Throughout October, we used all platforms to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people in Cardiff and around the world. Our aim was to promote inclusivity and strengthen our student community by recognising the significant impact of black individuals. Importantly, we are dedicated to ensuring that Black History is represented and celebrated all year round.
To mark Black History Month, Cardiff University revealed a 14-meter mural on the Sports Centre building, serving as a tribute to the enduring strength of sisterhood and a recognition of the contributions of black women as the foundation of our community.
We engaged with 281 students through our Black History Month events, including book clubs, seminars, outreach stalls and Blackademia (a networking evening to celebrate BHM).
In November, Cardiff University celebrated Afrogene, an annual event showcasing African and Caribbean culture and talent. The event drew in 155 students who enjoyed performances from 14 acts, contributing to the important and vibrant cultural community of Cardiff University.
Feed Your Flat and Cost of Living Support
One of the standout initiatives during term 1 at Cardiff Students' Union was the impactful, and ongoing, Feed Your Flat campaign, which plays a crucial role in supporting students facing financial challenges and ensuring their well-being.
The primary objective of Feed Your Flat is to provide essential cost of living support to students, acknowledging the financial pressures many face during their academic journey. The campaign, led by the Sabbatical Officer and Campaign Officer team, focusses on addressing the immediate needs of students.
Feed Your Flat returned to support students during term 1, with over 130 students accessing cost of living support.
Clean Up Cardiff and Commitment to Environmental Well-being
Clean Up Cardiff, an initiative focusing on improving the city's environment and enhancing the well-being of the student community, saw dedicated volunteers taking to the streets armed with bin bags. The campaign not only underscored the importance of a clean city but also highlighted the connection between a pleasant environment and the well-being of students.
Our Venues
It's been a very busy term in terms of gigs and club nights at your Students' Union. In term 1 alone, we welcomed 54,902 students through the doors to enjoy the best club nights in Cardiff (but we are biased). YOLO and JUICE continue to be popular among students - but don't worry if you missed out in term 1. Our regular club night YOLO (Wednesday) will be in full swing for term 2.
Cardiff Box office did a great job of welcoming some amazing performers to the stage in The Great Hall and Y Plas in term 1, encouraging over 22,000 people through the SU doors to enjoy some unforgettable gigs. Click here to find out what we've got in store for term 2!
BUCS Sporting Achievements
Sporting activities reached new heights during term 1, with an astounding 560 BUCS weekly fixtures, making it one of the busiest terms ever for sporting events. November alone witnessed a staggering 304 fixtures, increasing 6% compared to the previous year. Thanks to these new fixtures, our clubs have travelled a total of 31,000 miles in the SU minibuses alone. That's almost 1.5 journeys around the world.
Two new clubs, Dodgeball and Rugby League, were introduced into the BUCS competition structure, with the Women's Dodgeball team maintaining an unbeaten record. Clay Pigeon secured a BUCS gold medal, setting the stage for more achievements in term 2.
As we wrap up term 1, Cardiff Students' Union looks back at a semester filled with diverse activities, celebrations, and achievements. The union remains committed to providing a vibrant and supportive community for all students, looking forward to more exciting endeavours in the upcoming term. Thank you for your ongoing support in making Cardiff University a safe and inclusive environment.