Hi! My name’s Nathan and I’m hoping to be your Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer.

This past year I’ve been a part-time officer with the SU, fighting hard to open Warm Banks on campus. Throughout my time at UEA, I’ve fought for students - helping to secure an £800 rent rebate in 2021, getting blankets and warm resources for students on campus in 2022, and opening new warm social spaces in 2023.  It would be an honour to continue this work- here are a few of my ideas:

• Speaking truth to power: I am proud to have been the first SU officer to call for the Vice-Chancellor to either resign or take a 30% pay cut. I’m not afraid to speak up for UEA students when our education is at risk. I'll work hard to make sure we dont suffer because of Dave's mistakes.

• Cost-of-living support: It’s really difficult being a student now - rising rents and bills, and yet student finance doesn’t grow. I’ve fought for student welfare throughout my time at UEA and I’ll continue to fight for more bursaries, rent rebates, easier access to the university’s funds, and more free resources in the SIZ/library. I'd also push for the SU to be a living wage employer.

• Protecting under-represented and marginalised groups: The Student of Colour Ambassador Scheme does great work with UEA and the SU, helping to close the degree awarding gap. I would fight to secure more funding, allowing the program to finally expand to all schools at UEA.

• Make “Damn Good” good again:  The cost-of-living crisis has made going out a luxury, and high entry fees put students off – I’ll make sure that club nights are more relevant, affordable, and welcoming for all! Afrobeats, Bashment, boiler rooms, and other more relevant nights!

• End UEA Food Monopoly: Before COVID, the SU owned food outlets on campus, competing with the university. Now, ALL food outlets are owned by UEA (even the bar!) – it’s no wonder food is so expensive. I’d fight for the SU to open competing, affordable food outlets.

• Tackling Antisemitism on campus: This year I travelled to Auschwitz with the Holocaust Education Trust and saw first-hand how dangerous antisemitism can be. As a society president, I’ve worked to create a more inclusive atmosphere, ensuring Jewish students are welcome. If elected, I would organise workshops with HET for students and SU employees so we can eradicate Jewish hate on campus.

• Keep providing a diverse range of events: Spectrum, rep your flag, and mental health discussions have worked brilliantly to make UEA a more welcoming, diverse space!

• More support for disabled students: In the past this role hasn’t focused enough on UEA’s disabled community. I’ve worked alongside the disability officers closely this year and I’m prepared to give disabled students a louder voice!