Hi,

I am J.A. Neto (he/him), a 2nd year BA (Hons) Journalism Student at LCC. I am here today to ask you to give me the chance to represent you and other students at UAL.

As a mature gay man, I believe that my skills and experience make me a great candidate for the Welfare Officer position. I have many Art, Fashion, and hospitality industry experiences, working in several roles.  Mostly public-facing orientated, among:

- Organizing, hosting events.

- Social media content and strategies.

- Management and training.

- PR, sales, and many others.

If elected, I will make sure to champion the following at UAL:

• Raise awareness and influencing to achieve equality and inclusion for mature students. I know by experience that many of us face the same difficulties, stress, anxiety, and doubts as young students. Hearing and including our voices can contribute to a better University experience while exchanging valuable experiences beneficial to all students, regardless of ages or backgrounds.
• Continuing the COVID19 work that has been implemented by the previous Welfare Officer, making sure that the necessary measures are available to help efficiently on the next steps of the transition period.
• Work with liberation and decolonising initiatives to achieve wellbeing for all students, focusing on underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.

Since I started at LCC, I am much more aware of racial and social justice, equalities, diversity, and other needed campaigns, and that there is no mature representation at UAL – Arts SU Officers Team at the moment.

I would love to be part of it, listening and supporting your concerns, learning together, and contributing to future changes.