Blu Edwards-Jackson

Position: Deputy President of Activities and Welfare.

Hello fellow students of UHI, my name is Blu, and I am excited to be running for Deputy President of Activities and Welfare. I am committed to making College (or Uni) the best experience for everyone, and helping provide a safe space for everyone, regardless of any differences. Together we can build such a space as well as making memories and maybe a friend or two. Coming up are my key goals and principles of focus. 

1 – I will actively listen to all input and ideas, that I will take it into account when making any necessary decisions, to make sure there is clear communication between all.

2 – I will work to provide different clubs and study groups/areas for students to help academically and socially, such as creating a new space for discussions which is currently very much needed at UHI Moray.

3 – I will take charge of planning events which will include a wide range of cultures and traditions and will also include different seasonal events (such as Halloween) for the benefit of student welfare. I really believe in involving the community beyond our campus and I believe these events are a fantastic way to do that.

4 – Communication is Key. I live locally to UHI Moray so I am available for feedback sessions face-to-face to know what works and what doesn’t, so you know someone will always listen. If I am unavailable, I will have a direct line through email, so that everyone feels heard. We are a team after all.

5 – Although UHI Moray is already a forward thinking building in many ways, the effort to make the college more green and environmentally friendly has room for improvement. I plan to push for more energy-saving initiatives as well as better recycling around the campus to keep it beautiful.

6 – I am dedicated to the Mental Health and Wellbeing of all students as I have dealt with Mental Health in the past, so I am a huge advocate for the services, and I believe everyone should have access to the support they need and deserve, as well as providing an environment where everyone can thrive.

8 – Diversity to me is a major strength, I want to encourage all to celebrate their differences through a multitude of different ways and through different events. I will need the support of my fellow students to make this possible.

9 – I will regularly keep you updated about important matters and the events planned with posts on social media, on the HISA website and student emails. 

10 – You deserve someone passionate, transparent, honest and trustworthy and I believe this describes me well.

I am passionate about making your voices heard, creating a safe space for all and to make UHI an even better place. Your support is crucial in making this happen and we can make a difference together as a team.

Vote for Positive Change, Vote for Blu.

Lynne Gardner

Lynne Gardners Manifesto

Why Vote for me?

I have been asking myself that same question since thinking about applying for the position of Depute President and Activities and Welfare.  The answer I can honestly come up with is understanding, knowledge and Experience of mental health and looking for a place where we can study that we can feel included, in our learning, that we are not excluded because of our race, culture, learning needs, our gender, disability and age that we are all part of something that will listen and help our learning experience by delivering it through creating a safe and equal learning environment for all.

Aoife Hawley

As activities and welfare depute my plan would be to bring more awareness to mental health issues as I believe it is not a subject talked about enough. I feel strongly about this due to having neuro diverse family members and the fact I plan to become a mental health nurse. Other people's mental health matters a lot to me personally. As depute I would always be available around the college if anyone ever needed to talk about something - no matter what; school related or not! If you have any worries and just need signposted to that bit of support, I'm a good listener and there for you to talk to. I would also be there if there where any issues or concerns about the college that anybody ever wants to be discussed - maybe because it hasn't been dealt with or because they are too nervous to talk to a lecturer themselves about these concerns. If there are any ideas about what you want to happen around the college I would be there to try and help, make it happen and/or discuss your idea with you and try and expand it into something we can possibly make happen. I would also like to have more events around the college to try and bring everyone together to build up friendships. I want to try and make this college as inclusive and welcoming as it can be to anyone who attends, visits, or teaches here.

Courtney Ritchie

My Manifesto

I am Courtney Ritchie, currently studying my honours (Year 4) in Sports and Fitness. I have been studying at Moray UHI for 5 years now starting in Level 6 sports and fitness. Over the years I have seen many changes on the campus and would like to help further changes to improve the learning environment. 

I am running for the Depute President in Activities and Welfare position at Moray UHI. I am running for this position with the aim of improving the advertising of activities and groups around the campus and creating more opportunities for the members to destress and take time to look after their mental and physical health and help create a healthier and happier environment for all. 

You should vote for me as I have the leadership skills and determination to help make the Moray campus more enjoyable for all. Your all-round health is important and taking time to explore the activities and groups can help to find a place where you can take a break from the studies and make your experience more enjoyable over the academic year.

You will be sent an email link to vote between 10am on the 3^rd of October till 2pm on the 5^th. 

Inna Shportiuk

Hi all,

My name is Inna Shportiuk. I am from Ukraine and now live in Elgin. I study Administration & Information Skills and ESOL at UHI Moray. I want to contribute as much as I can to the development of a community that has welcomed me and other Ukrainian refugees fleeing war.

I have extensive organisational experience working within the National Revenue Service and use these skills as a volunteer for the charities British Red Cross and Moray Food Plus. I would be glad if it turns out to be useful in the activities at UHI Moray as well.

If elected to the position of Deputy President for Activities and Wellbeing,                  I hope to actively participate in the life processes of the HISA aimed at:

• · Protecting the interests of students.
• · Organizing various events for students.
• · Improving the processes of interaction between staff and students.

I believe that these goals will have a positive impact on both the wellbeing and overall level of student satisfaction with choosing UHI Moray as their place of study.

Thank you.

Inna Shportiuk

We are all different by nature and this brings fresh ideas and versatility into our lives when we interact