Freya Rose Askwith-Martin
Can you introduce yourself by telling us your name and the position you are running for?
Hi I’m Freya and I’m running for president this year!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of the university?
Outside of the university I love going out for food and doing any sort of activities with friends! I’m a massive people person, and just love being around people!
Why have you decided to run for your chosen role?
I’ve chosen to run for this role as I’m currently the equity officer and know a lot of the systems and how things work within the Students Union, and I have built relationships within the University. I just feel like I can carry on my work as equity but on a larger scale and reach that being President has, and I know it comes with a lot of responsibility, but I feel like I’m ready after being your equity officer this year. It’s something that I’m passionate about because I just love helping people and want to do it more.
What are your top three policies?
My top three policies are
Bringing in a harm reduction policy around drug safety, as at the moment the university has a zero tolerance policy, so anyone who is found using drugs is at risk of being kicked out. But a lot of universities are doing a harm reduction approach, where if anyone is found to be using drugs, they are actually offering support to those students, and promoting safe drug use.
Women’s Safety is another one of my policies. This year we’ve been doing a lot of work on sexual harassment and violence towards women on the campus – but I want to extend this further by doing work within the town and on local transport, helping students in the town and commuting to University. I also feel like being a female in that space and working on that will be really beneficial.
Another is men’s mental health – which is another big one. This policy is one I have been working on this year as Equity officer, and is something that I want to continue as president. I want to be able to set up a University Andy’s man club, giving students a safe place to come and talk to each other – especially as I know Andy’s man club is really beneficial across the country, but sometimes you want to speak to people your own age.
Why do you think these policies are important for students?
I think they are important as I want students to feel safe and supported on campus. It’s good to know that students feel safe within the town, and can come to us in the Students Union and know that there is help available for them.
Do you have a message for students?
I just want students to know that I’m a really passionate person, and I just love helping people – so I’m truly just here to help. I want people to hear that I’m basically here for them in any way I can.