Quote of The Day:  

“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step”- Marishka Hargitay 

Hello everyone! 

With only 2 weeks left before the start of term, the excitement is not only being felt within the SU, but on campus as well as all of you arrive one-by-one! For those of you who are waiting for the next plane, train or car to get to Essex, we are equally thrilled as you are about arrivals! It has been a relatively busy week, mostly filled with planning for Freshers. Here’s a few things that I have been up to this week: 

Mental Health First Aid Training: 

On the 23rd and the 24th of September 2020, myself and all of the other sabbatical officers undertook training to become Mental Health First Aiders. I am happy to report that we have all passed the course and have been officially certified! I am glad that we are now in a position to appropriately assess and assist students who may be experiencing mental health issues on campus. Mental health is a big priority for us this year and we will ensure that we do everything we can to be there for everyone, through the good and the not so good times! 

First Online Zoom Quiz Event: 

I hosted my first online iSUlation quiz on British Culture! I want to thank all of you who attended and participated. I had a lot of fun moderating and I hope that all of you learnt slightly more of the place that you will call your home away from home for the next 3 to 4 years. It also gave me a real-time insight into your concerns arriving onto campus. I was able to give detailed information on  the 14-day quarantine, how to get from Heathrow to the campus if you are taking public transport (bus or train) and how to purchase SIM Cards so that you can get into contact with you loved ones. I can’t wait to see all of you once you finally arrive!  

National Hate Crime Awareness Week: 

National Hate Crime Awareness week takes place form the 10th to the 17th of October 2020. I have been working closely with the Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Team (SWIS) to deliver 2 online events and a physical event for all of you. I believe that it is very important that we understand what a hate crime is and know the appropriate channels to which we can report a hate crime whether we witnessed it or if we are victim of it. We have exciting things brewing so keep an eye out on our social media. 

Love 

Vinnosh Kumar 

Your Vice President of Welfare