Vice President Societies and Services

Vice President Societies and Services

Anwen Ellis

As societies and services officer, Anwen will be supporting all of the SU’s societies, in addition to overseeing and having a say on the running of all of the Union’s services. These services include JC’s, Cove, Costcutter, Nursery and the Advice and Support centre. She also sits and chairs the Society Exec Committee, in which they ensure all the societies are fairly represented.

Anwen is approachable, passionate and loves to problem solve. She will always be a friendly face and open for a chat. She has lived in Wales her whole life and studied psychology. Anwen has been involved in different societies during her time at university. She was particularly active within the drama society, serving on committee as Arts Director in her second year and President last year. Within these roles she thoroughly enjoyed creating a welcoming environment, planning exciting events for all members and giving back to a community that she loves. This year Anwen hopes to use these skills to help promote all student voices and societies. She aims to empower all students and societies, ensuring all voices are heard.

From Your Officer

Anwen Ellis

"Hey! I am so excited to be your Soc Serv officer for this academic year. I'm passionate about promoting and supporting all societies and student voices. Societies have been a core part of my university experience and I want to widen their positive impact for everyone to enjoy these spaces that can create such a great sense of belonging and community. I can't wait to work with all the societies within the SU, helping to supporting and empower these amazing groups.”

Roles and Responsibilities

Roles & Responsibilities

I advocate for student clubs and services, voicing their needs to the university. Collaborating with peers and staff, I enhance campus life through events, campaigns, and projects. As a bridge between students and the university, I shape policies to strengthen societies and elevate services. My leadership ensures dynamic community participation, nurturing an inclusive, connected, and flourishing campus environment.

What I'm Working On

Manifesto: Improve societies access to resources

The goal is to improve societies access and usage of resources. This will be an ongoing project to help provide societies with knowledge of their usable spaces and how to be sustainable in they're use of resources. This will also include lobbying for more usable spaces and funding for societies.

Main Objective:

Planned Action:

Advertising the different bookable spaces on campus, during committee training and in the help desk articles. As well as providing examples on how these can be used in innovative ways.

Challenge the university on providing us with more spaces and work with funding to try and get more societies funding. Advertise the societies funding grant and ensure that a wide range of societies get use of this pool of money.

Promoting and educating societies on sustainable use of equipment and funds through committee training, social media and other access able platforms.

LGBTQ+ History Month - Campaign

The main aim is to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ history month across the student community through accessible and engaging online content. Amplifying student voices through supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, while creating a sense of community and inclusion for all students at Swansea.

Planned Actions:

Work closely with LGBT+ societies and relevant student groups to gather information about their events to increase promotion
Create and schedule consistent social media for the beginning of the month
Organise with events for getting the flags outside Fulton house for the month
Promote society-led events through posts, stories, and shared content across SU and campaign platforms

Progress so Far:

Established the overall campaign focus and objectives, centred on online awareness and collaboration
Reached out to LGBTQ+ societies to confirm their events and discuss promotional support
Begun planning social media content themes and a posting schedule for LGBTQ+ History Month
Started coordinating with relevant SU teams to support promotion and sharing of content

Measure of Success:

Increased awareness of LGBTQ+ History Month, measured through social media engagement such as views, likes, shares, and comments
Positive feedback from LGBTQ+ societies regarding the support and promotion they received
Creation of an online campaign that feels inclusive, informative, and supportive to LGBTQ+ students

Event - Dance Varsity

This is my second year leading Dance Varsity, and my main aim this year is to continue developing an established, fun, and vibrant Term 2 event. The event brings together student communities from both performing arts and dance backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to express themselves and showcase their talents in a way they might not otherwise be able to.

I have been working closely with Cardiff Students’ Union to develop Dance Varsity further, allowing for increased collaboration across societies, with this year’s event taking place on the 21st of March. Dance was previously involved in Varsity over 10 years ago, but this stopped in 2015.

My long-term goal is to gradually increase the involvement of societies in Welsh Varsity and to highlight the wide range of talent across the university in the lead-up to Varsity.

Planned Actions:

Create an inclusive, energetic atmosphere for all students and dancers ensuring every participant feels supported, confident and valued throughout the experience
Strengthen collaboration between societies and varsity, giving them the same opportunity as sports clubs
Focus on strong event production and social media promotion, including launching the dance societies involved and judges through engaging posts, videos and teasers to build exciting and attract student attention.
Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, including clear information about participation requirements, accessible venue and support for students who may be new to performing
Continue to collaborate with both SU and CU events and media team to deliver a professional-standard show, including lighting, tech, staging, photography and videography
Celebrate all participants after the event, through certificates, social media recognition and trophies

Progress so Far:

Reached out to relevant societies and confirmed their involvement in Dance Varsity
Planned and organised a dedicated social media content day, ready for Cardiff students to travel to Swansea, in preparation for ticket sales launching at the beginning of February
Secured and booked the venue, and finalised the event infrastructure and logistical setup for the day
Held regular planning meetings with Eve to organise schedules, coordinate responsibilities, and manage behind-the-scenes planning and delivery

Measures of Success:

High participation rate, with representation from a wide range of student groups and the wider student and family community
Strong audience turnout, aiming for a sold-out or near-capacity venue
High online engagement, measured through social media likes, shares, comments, video views and interaction with promotional posts.
Smooth event operations on the day, with minimal technical or scheduling issues
Clear communication of participation requirements and accessibility information ahead of the event
Participation from dancers with varying levels of experience and backgrounds

Increasing Society Exclusive Events

The main aim is to strengthen community and belonging within societies, by providing members with unique and engaging experiences that enhance member retention and boost overall participation. Supporting societies where I can as much as possible through advertisement, promotion and attending soceities biggest events.

Planned Actions:

Updating the equipment hiring system for societies - Bridging the gap between hardship and societies by providing equipment for societies to use increasing the visibility and success of their events
Create exclusive events for societies with Get Active – Society tournaments
Introducing a society forum – allow for societies to be able to have a voice as well as being informed
Create a calendar showcasing a main event from each society that is shared with the officer and student voice team, to attend and support society event when possible

Progress so Far:

Purchased new equipment and upgraded existing stock, while reviewing and improving the current hire system to ensure a smoother, more efficient process for societies
Collaborating with the Get Active team to promote our first post-freshers’ event, society tournaments, scheduled for October.

Measure of Success

At least 80% of active societies know about the new system and make use of the new and improved equipment hire system during the academic year
Successful delivery of at least one exclusive event per term with Get Active, with overall 15 + societies participating and getting involved
Society Forum launched with 60% of societies attending from a range of societies and actionable outcomes logged
Society events calendar completed and shared with officers and student voice, attended at least 50% of these events

Neurodivergent Week - Campaign

The main aim is to deliver inclusive, informative educational campaigns that raise awareness, reduce stigma and signpost students to appropriate academic and wellbeing support. To celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding of different neurodivergent experiences.

Planned Actions:

Develop more educational campaigns, such as Neurodivergent awareness week (16^th – 20^th March)
Coordinate with SU communications and media teams to maximise reach and maintain clear, consistent messaging
Ensure all online content is accessible and inclusive, including clear language, alt text, captions, content warning and sensory-aware design
Promote any events relevant to the campaign throughout the week

Measures of Success:

Increased awareness of Neurodivergent week, measured through social media engagement including views, likes, shares and comments
Positive feedback from students and societies regarding the support available and awareness
Delivery of an online campaign that feels accessible, informative and supportive to neurodivergent students

Events - International Night

This is the Second year I have helped lead on international night in Freshers, my main aims this year is to carry on creating an established fun and vibrant term 1 event. Creating an inclusive social where international students can make friends in a safe environment.

Planned Actions:

Create an inclusive, energetic atmosphere for all students ensuring every participant feels supported, confident and valued in their culture
Strengthen collaboration between different cultures
Encourage cultural expression through music, games and interactive elements, including song request from student’s home countries
Offer a welcoming incentive on arrival (e.g. free drink and donut)
Promote and document the event through live social media and post-event recap

Measures of Success:

Attendance of 100+ students, with representation from a wide range of nationalities
Participation from students across 20+ different countries, demonstrating inclusivity and cultural diversity
Positive student feedback highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and sense of belonging
Strong social media engagement, with event content reaching 30k+
Establishment of International Night as a recognised and anticipated Term 1 event within Freshers’ activities

Completed – September

Sold over 120 tickets, including students from at least 20 different nationalities, filling JC’s
Social media posts all together reached over 35k views, with over 500 likes on Instagram
All feedback collected from the night was positive and everyone who participated received a certificate
Included a free drink and donut on arrival, with music and games happening throughout the night. Allowing students to request songs from their hometown/nationality.

Event - Swansea Come Dancing

This is the third year of Swansea Come Dancing, my main aims this year is to carry on creating an established fun and vibrant term 1 event. The event brings together students’ communities from sports and societies offering a unique platform to collaborate, support other teams and showcase their spirit.

Planned Actions:

Create an inclusive, energetic atmosphere for all students and dancers ensuring every participant feels supported, confident and valued throughout the experience
Strengthen collaboration between societies and sports teams
Focus on strong event production and social media promotion, including launching the dance couples through engaging posts, videos and teasers to build exciting and attract student attention.
Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity, including clear information about participation requirements, accessible venue and support for students who may be new to performing
Continue to collaborate with all SU events and media team to deliver a professional-standard show, including lighting, tech, staging, photography and videography
Celebrate all participants after the event, through certificates, social media recognition and trophies

Measures of Success:

High participation rate, with representation from a wide range of sports teams and societies
Strong audience turnout, aiming for a sold-out or near-capacity venue
High online engagement, measured through social media likes, shares, comments, video views and interaction with promotional posts.

Completed – November

Sold out event with over 260 tickets sold, which is more than last year
Social media posts all together reached over 500k views, with a drone shot video starting the whole night which was new this year
All feedback collected from the night was positive and everyone who participated received a certificate

Suicide Prevention Week ('All Jokes Aside') - Campaign

Maddy Jones SU

The main aim is to raise awareness about mental health and suicide risks, while providing information and promoting the support available. Also focusing on reducing the stigma around seeking help, creating a safe space, equipping students with knowledge, and encouraging open conversations. Calling the campaign ‘All Jokes Aside, how are you?’

Planned Actions:

Promote available mental health resources and support services across SU’s Instagram, website and TikTok platforms
Develop and distribute an information guide on mental health, coping strategies, signposting to services and tips for supporting friends
Engage students throughout Suicide prevention week to engage students and allow people to feel heard and open mental health conversations

Progress so Far:

Coordinated with the Welfare teams in advice and support, including having conversation with previous officers about their past campaigns
Had meetings with the welfare officer and marketing and comms team, as the campaign will be delivered online
Identified key messaging themes and engagement points to help tailor posts and resources for maximum reach and impact

Measure of Success:

Campaign reaches at least 50% of the student body through social media engagement
Digital mental health posts finalised and posted via social media
Positive student feedback, gathered through surveys, showing improved awareness and knowledge of available services and reduced stigma around mental health conversations
Active engagement from students through comments, shared stories and interaction with online content during the campaign week

Completed - September

Videos reached over 15k veiws over both Instagram and Tiktok
Worked closley with the advice and support centre launching thier new course 'living life to the fullest'
Collaborated with Parpryus during the campaign, spreading awearness and support to the student body

12 Services of Christmas - Campaign

This campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health during the festive period, while clearly promoting the support services available to students through the Students’ Union. It also seeks to encourage students to access these services and spread positivity and connection online throughout the holiday season.

Planned Actions:

Post a piece of content each day during the first 12 days of December
Promote available SU resources and support services across Instagram, website and TikTok platforms

Measure of Success:

Campaign reaches at least 50% of the student body through social media engagement
High online engagement, measured through social media likes, shares, comments, video views and interaction with promotional posts.
Digital posts finalised and posted via social media
Positive student feedback, gathered through surveys, showing improved awareness and knowledge of available services that are available to them over Christmas

Completed – December:

Posted a video every day from the 1^st December to the 12^th December
Included all the services of the union, promoting their services and giving information about closing times and what’s on
Online content on both TikTok and Instagram got over 60k views.