Hey everyone,

So over the summer whilst you’ve been gallivanting all over the world, in the SU we’ve been planning another year of campaigns, events and lots of research - not that I’m bitter!

We’ve taken on board what you’ve told us about feeling vulnerable in some situations and looked into improving the safety of students when they are out and about albeit sprinting across campus to your next lecture or dancing the night away in your favourite bar or club.

As a result we have secured an amazing £4871 from the Police and Crime Commissioners Safe Communities Fund to run a new campaign tackling sexual harassment in licenced venues across Huddersfield, working with the venues to ensure this behaviour can be tackled effectively and the victim feels empowered.

I’m incredibly proud of this project as we are one of only 38 successful funding bids out of the 177 who applied. I want to say a massive thank you to every student who has come forward over the past year describing their experiences. You should be proud knowing that your actions have ensured students in the future will be safer when out enjoying their time at Huddersfield.

NUS research states that a huge 68% of women students and 38% of LGBT students have been subject to verbal or physical harassment, with the most common negative experiences being off campus in entertainment venues.

By changing these behaviours, we can ensure all students feel safe and don’t need to worry about being intimidated or feeling threatened when out in town enjoying their time at Uni.

Not only did we have the satisfaction of knowing that we can really positively impact on students’ lives outside of University, but we also got a novelty cheque- very exciting! We will also be able to hire a Huddersfield student to work with us 12 hours a work in term time to help deliver the campaign. More information on how you can apply is available at http://www.huddersfield.su/studentjobs

I’d also like to say a final thank you to West Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner for their kind funding and Leeds University Union for supporting us setting up the project after running the same campaign in Leeds.

Speak soon!

Alysia 

VP Wellbeing & Equalities

@alysiaford             #HudFreshers             @huddersfieldSU