10th October is World Mental Health Day, an annual day recognised by The World Health Organisation to provide an opportunity for those working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done. This year’s theme, chosen by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘young people and mental health in a changing world’.

As a Students’ Union, young people’s mental health and well being is so important to us. We would like to take this World Mental Health Day to talk about the work being done and the work left … Read the rest

Today marks the beginning of one of the best weeks of the year, National Cupcake Week. Yep, it’s a thing! Originally created by British Baker magazine, National Cupcake Week is a special week set aside to celebrate the “gloriously sweet bundles of joy that are cupcakes.” However, we all know decorating them is the best bit (or maybe it’s eating them?) and this society definitely agrees. 

No one loves cupcakes as much as our very own Cake Decorating Society. They hold cake decorating sessions fortnightly creating delicious little masterpieces based around a new theme each time. … Read the rest

We recently sat down with three members of the Union’s Canoe Polo club, Tom Ladyman (President), Olivia Reed (Club secretary) and Erik Meilak, to find out what the world of canoe polo is all about.

For those who are new to the sport, canoe polo “is a cross between basketball, netball and rugby” or “water polo…in kayaks”. It’s a 5-a-side sport, with no specific positions (such as keeper) so everyone is able to move around and help each other. Contact is allowed, “players can push each other to get the ball, but there’s rarely a bad injury” explains Tom.

We … Read the rest

We recently met with the President of Football Beyond Borders Southampton, Adnan Bakir, to find out more about the fantastic projects the society run and what they’ve been working on since their launch last year. Football Beyond Borders is an education charity with a core programme based in London. Their aim is to support and develop young people (aged 8 – 19) in the local community who may be from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is achieved ‘on and off the pitch’ through the power of football but also through mentoring sessions, to help young people achieve their goals and make … Read the rest

Formed in December 2014, CrimSoc have rapidly grown to a healthy 330 members. When they’re not visiting crime museums and prisons, you can find them hanging out to watch the latest episode of CSI or The Bridge. We caught up with CrimSoc President, Kamil, to find out more…

Describe your society and what it is you do:

The society was created to give a space to Criminology students and all other people interested in topics like crime, forensics and investigation. We organise trips to seminars at the University of Oxford, trips to courts, crime museums and much more. We also … Read the rest

It’s time to kick back, relax with a pint and meet Charles Roffey, President of Real Ale and Cider Society and Treasurer, Josh Upton. With eighty members, the Real Ale and Cider Society endorses local pubs and breweries and samples what they have to offer as well as offering discounts at the best places around Southampton.   

When did the society start?

Spring 2011

What is the best part about being involved in your society?

Being introduced to some great tasting beers and ciders that you would never have tried before and getting discounts on them whilst doing so.

Why should … Read the rest

So often we think about habits that we would like to give up – unhealthy eating, smoking etc, but how often do we consider taking up something such as a new hobby? Now deadlines are over for most of you, why not go along to a Hookers, Knitters and Stitchers society event. Here’s what happened when we caught up with Sally Amberton, President of the society…

Describe your society and what it is you do

We teach knitting, sewing, and crochet to people who are interested in learning and provide a social space for those who already know how to … Read the rest

We caught up with Jithin James Mullappillil, President of Kandyan and Bharatanatyam Dance Society to ask what he loves about being involved in a society and why other students should join. The society was founded in 2013 and has 25 regular dance members. Not sure what Kandyan and Bharatanatyam dancing is? Read all about it here…

Describe your society and what it is you do:

Southampton Kandyan and Bharatanatyam Dance Society provides dance training and classes for two Asian classical dance styles. Kandyan and Bharata Natyam are two of the most well known, tradtional Sri Lankan and Indian cultural dancing. … Read the rest

We caught up with NAMSOC (Nursing and Midwifery Society) President Zan Winder and Co-Vice President Calum Lyon to chat about their society and why you should consider becoming a member. Here’s what they said…
Describe Nursing and Midwifery Society and what it is you do:

Nursing and Midwifery Society (NAMSOC) society has 586 members to date and was established back in 2005. The society aims to support it’s members throughout their journey as a student nurse or midwife. Our committee comprises of 15 members: president, vice presidents, nursing rep, welfare rep, communications rep, midwifery rep, sports rep, social secs, mature … Read the rest