I’m Lara-Jean Strawson, a third-year UWE Drama student, and I’m standing for this role because I believe societies are the heart of the student experience — and they deserve the strongest possible support.

Societies create friendships, build confidence, and give students a sense of belonging. A strong SU depends on strong societies — clear, effective communication that keeps students informed, engaged, and represented. As VP Societies & Communications, my aim would be to strengthen both.

Even as an outgoing person, joining societies was a lifeline. They helped me build friendships, find opportunities, and feel part of a community. I then leaned further into my passions and took on leadership roles, becoming Vice President and now President of UWE Drama Society. Subsequently, I’ve had incredible opportunities, but also faced the challenges that come with running a society.

I’ve seen how valuable SU support is, particularly around safeguarding and finance, however I’ve seen where clearer guidance and better communication could make a difference. That experience motivates me to stand for this role.

Society committee members volunteer huge amounts of time and energy to improve student life, and they deserve reliable support in return. I would work to:

• Improve guidance and training for society committee members, especially those new to leadership

• Ensure societies feel supported consistently throughout the year

Everyone should feel welcome, represented, and able to get involved in student life. Societies play a vital role in inclusion, and the Union should actively support them in this. I would:

• Support societies in creating inclusive and accessible events

• Amplify the voices of underrepresented groups within societies

• Encourage collaboration between societies to build stronger connections

• Work to remove barriers that prevent students from joining or starting societies

Belonging should not be a bonus — it should be built into everything the Union does.

I’m particularly passionate about the Arts, which thrive when people know what’s happening — but this applies equally to sport, culture, and social initiatives. Students need clear, engaging ways to discover what’s going on across campus. As VP Societies & Communications, I would:

• Support societies in reaching wider audiences through effective marketing

• Use communication platforms that UWE students actually engage with

• Advocate for social media training for committee’s

  If elected, you would have a friendly, approachable face within the SU— someone who understands societies from the inside and is committed to supporting students, amplifying their voices, and helping UWE’s communities thrive.