We’re really proud to announce three Students’ Union groups and volunteers have been longlisted in the National Societies & Volunteering Awards.

Students’ Union League (SUL) team Headstrong Mental Health Football Club and our Time to Change Champions Group & Student Minds Society have both been nominated for The Wellbeing Award, which celebrates student groups who have had a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of others. Nikkita Holmes has been nominated for The Extra Mile Award, for going above and beyond in all her volunteering with the Students’ Union.

Headstrong Mental Health Football Club was put together by Aidan Fenn, with the aim to students to play football regardless of ability, where they could make new friends, share their own mental health experiences and to act as a safe space where individuals could be supported by their peers and signposted as necessary. They have already had a positive impact on their members and other students through improving their physical and mental wellbeing since their formation in August and will continue to do so for seasons to come.

Time to Change Champions Group & Student Minds Society were nominated for organising several events over the year to get people talking and have campaigned to improve the mental health services at UCLan. They have had a huge impact on how seriously mental health is taken at the University!

Finally, Nikkita Holmes was nominated for her different volunteer roles at the Union, as a Time to Change Champion, Disabled Students Rep, Student Minds Society and the RAG Committee. Over the last couple of years, Nikkita’s volunteering has had a positive impact on many students’ lives, from the ‘This is Me’ campaign which seen an increase in students disclosing disabilities and being able to access support, to running mental health workshops for her peers. Well and truly going the extra mile!

Sophie O’Neill, Vice President Activities said: “Despite a strange year, I am over joyed to work with so many dedicated leaders and I’m absolutely beaming that their hard work has been recognised by the National Societies and Volunteering Awards. It is leaders like these that will ensure the student movement maintains momentum into the next academic year and I hope others may find inspirations from these gorgeous longlists!”

“Keep smashing it and congratulations to our nominees!”

The volunteers will find out if they’ve been chosen as the winners by the National Societies & Volunteering Awards panel on Wednesday 5th May, from 6pm at the virtual awards ceremony. Tickets are free and can be booked here, why not book your ticket and watch live to support our volunteers?

Good luck and congratulations to all of those longlisted on behalf of UCLan Students’ Union, we’ll be tuning in to see how you get on!