Category: Bristol Allies

Faith and community at University

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Bip Hakimzadah

During my time at UWE, I’ve struggled with interpersonal challenges. Whether it be personal, social, academic or anything and everything in between. Faith has always kept me grounded, I think religion is an interesting thing. It’s obviously not for everyone, I’ve seen the struggle of people being hurt by religion and this is by no means to discredit those experiences. In the wrong hands it’s hurtful, but in the right hands I’ve seen it be a truly powerful thing.

In my opinion/experience, faith can provide a sense of hope, a community, a guiding path regardless of exact religion or sect and I think there’s so much divide and polarisation in the world that there’s never been more of a need for individuals to support one another and be allies to each other in this very diverse and interfaith world.

So what can be done to be supportive of one another?

Simply listen – be respectful!

Whether you’re religious or non-religious, hearing people out on why they believe what they do is a big thing. It’s important to not attack their beliefs or belittle them, especially if they’re a different faith than yours. To impose your beliefs or lack thereof on somebody can feel like an attack if not treated with extreme care and understanding. There’s a reason they believe what they do, opposing beliefs doesn’t mean they’re inherently wrong.

Learn!

There’s a beautifully diverse world of religion that every corner of the world has, they’re not only simply groups of beliefs but insight into history, how countries believed what they did fundamentally shaped how they would evolve over time. If you’ve ever been curious about different religions, ask friends, religious groups or just peruse the library. The Frenchay library especially is a goldmine when it comes to different books on religions for the very beginners to those that have been practicing for their whole lives.

Difference is okay!

People have different backgrounds, some religious and some not. For all sorts of reasons people might be atheist, agnostic, or identify with a religion. It’s equally important for everyone to respectful of each other.

Find community, or religious support.

Bristol is a beautifully interfaith hub where I’ve personally seen and spoke to many religious groups, if you’re a part of a faith and you’re new to Bristol – you’ll find no shortage of community. Reach out to them if you can!

Within the university as well, there’s many societies for religious groups, as well as the wonderful Chaplaincy Team that I’ve had the pleasure of using their services. They’re open to everyone, regardless of faith or lack thereof. There’s a place for everyone here in UWE and Bristol. Whether religious, agnostic or atheist. Everyone has their place, and quite frankly the world is a more interesting place with such an interfaith and diverse community

Chaplaincy at UWE Bristol.

Study tips from our CHSS neurodivergent advocate at UWE

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Hey everyone! I’m Imogen, a second year studying sociology and one of the neurodivergent advocates at UWE, as part of the widening participation team.

At the end of my first year I stumbled across the advertisement for the advocacy role in my emails. There were roles for mature student advocates, race equity advocates and neurodiversity advocates. I decided to apply as I knew a lot about neurodiversity. My friends, family and partner (and myself) are neurodivergent. I am passionate about social change, and I am very aware about what support is available. The role is flexible, catering to students at 2-4 hours per week, online or in-person, with 3 to 4 other advocates on each team. I have been working as an advocate for this academic year now, alongside my studies. It is a rewarding role. I have had many opportunities and gained valuable experience. I have particularly enjoyed writing content for newsletters and talking about my experiences at widening access calls to prospective students. I am better at knowing what study methods work for me, and feel much more confident in my abilities as I finish my second year.

With exam and deadline season in full swing, I wanted to share a few study tips that have helped me throughout my time at uni as a neurodivergent student. Whether you’re neurodivergent too or just looking for new ways to stay organised and motivated, I hope you find something useful here!


📋 Make Lists


It might sound simple, but honestly – lists save me. Trying to remember everything in my head never works, so I write a daily ‘to-do’ list with every task I need to get done. And I mean everything. I include achievable things like ‘get out of bed’ or ‘go to my lecture’ because some days, those are big wins too. Ticking them off gives me a little boost and keeps me feeling productive.


📆 Use a Calendar


I live by my calendar. I schedule all my study sessions, but instead of blocking out a vague ‘study time’, I’ll be specific – like ‘check essay conclusion’ or ‘revise topic 3 notes’. It makes my workload feel way more manageable. I personally use Google Calendar because it’s linked to my personal email and lets me combine everything in one place – study sessions, lectures, meetings, and reminders.


🧘 Schedule Breaks


This one’s important: don’t forget to rest. When I get hyper-focused on a task, I can easily forget to eat, stretch, or breathe. Even if you’re someone who thrives on last-minute cramming (no judgement), try to build in small breaks to recharge. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your grades.


🤝 Try Body Doubling


If you haven’t heard of this before, body doubling is a productivity technique where you work in the presence of someone else to help you stay on track. It’s especially popular among people with ADHD, but it works for anyone. I like meeting a friend at the library in the morning – having somewhere to be and someone there makes it easier to get moving. Pro tip: aim for the quiet study areas if you’re easily distracted!

I hope these tips resonate with you, and if you’re finding things tough or need a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the services available at UWE:

The Student Coaching Service
The range of Library Study Skills Workshops (online or in-person)
The Wellbeing Service

How to join the CHSS Advocate Programme


Interested in being part of this supportive community? Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you.
To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up!

For more information, please email the Widening Participation Team: CHSS.WPTeam@uwe.ac.uk

UWE Bristol adopts the term ‘Global Majority’

Author Student Communications | Posted on

What does Global Majority mean?

Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, Mixed Heritage, Indigenous to the Global South and/or are not racialised as White.

Did you know that people from Global Majority backgrounds represent around 85%1 of the world’s population? Using ‘Global Majority’ moves the focus away from Europe and whiteness.

Why is UWE using an umbrella term for people from Global Majority backgrounds?

We understand the limitations of umbrella terms: they can be problematic, grouping diverse communities into a single category and not recognising nuance in the lived experiences of diverse communities. Umbrella terms are useful up to a point. They help us recognise that racism is a common experience that harms many Global Majority people.

Umbrella terms can also be helpful when analysing the data we have, and to help illustrate and describe the barriers faced by Global Majority people compared to similar groups of White people. This data helps us to plan initiatives that improve the experience of students who experience barriers at UWE, for example Global Majority students.

Why are we making this change?

Previously we were using the term BAME (Black Asian and minority ethnic). Global Majority students and staff have told us (via surveys) that they would prefer we say Global Majority. This term can be seen as empowering. It brings the contributions, perspectives and demographic realities of the majority of the world’s population to the foreground.

Our choice of language is important, particularly in discussions about race and racism. The words we use have the potential to cause harm but also hold significant power in challenging injustice and promoting positive change. Language plays a powerful role in shaping how we see the world, our university and each other.  This transition reflects our commitment to building an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone and ensures that our language better aligns with our values and our goal to work towards becoming anti-racist.

As a White student, does this mean I’m a minority?

It’s about context. White people made up the majority of the population of England and Wales in the 2021 census: around 82%. In a global context, around 15% of people are White. Ultimately, it’s about equity. Speaking about Global Majority helps us recognise the scale of the impact of racism and the urgency of addressing it in our university.

What else is UWE doing to tackle racism?

Language is a start, but language won’t end racism on its own. UWE Bristol is developing an anti-racism strategy. In the early stages we aim to equip staff with the tools they need to do the work, including language, anti-racism training, and guidance on how to work with people who experience racism to make positive collective change (co-production), to prepare staff for their part in the systemic change to come.

We acknowledge that language is constantly evolving and if we are to be a leading anti-racist university it’s important to acknowledge and challenge our own part in perpetuating racism, including reframing how we refer to Global Majority students and staff.  

Can I still use my own words to describe my own identity?

Yes, definitely. Global Majority replaces previous terms and acronyms like BAME. This change doesn’t affect how you refer and speak about yourself, your ethnicity, culture, colour, nationality or citizenship, or national origins.

We want to avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to language that overlooks the nuances of individual experiences, strengths, preferences and identities. We are conscious that your language will vary when it comes to the words you use to describe yourself and others. That’s great! We need to ensure we value the diversity of perspectives and preferences within our community. Taking a person-by-person approach is an important aspect of our journey towards anti-racism.  

What can I do?

  • If you hear outdated language being used, we want you to feel empowered to point people to this message, and to use the term Global Majority. Staff have been asked to do this too. This will help reinforce the change and encourage widespread adoption. 
  • Continue to use the language you prefer to describe your own identity. Respect people’s choices when they speak about their own identity and use more specific terms where appropriate (e.g. South Asian students, African staff). If you’re not sure, ask what words they’d like you to use. Use their preferred words when referring to them and don’t contradict or correct them. Also, understand that sometimes people’s identities change, for example if someone learns more about their own heritage, they may ask you to change the words you use when you speak about them.

Join the CHSS Advocate Programme and help build an inclusive community

Author Student Communications | Posted on

CHSS Widening Participation Team

Are you passionate about supporting your peers, amplifying voices, and creating a more inclusive university experience? The College of Health, Science, and Society (CHSS) Advocate Programme at UWE Bristol is your opportunity to do just that.

The CHSS Advocate Programme brings together dedicated students who want to make a difference for their peers. Advocates run student-led meetups, offer a safe space for discussions, and support students who may feel underrepresented or face barriers in university life.

Our advocates work with three key groups:

  • Neurodiverse Students
  • Race Equity Students (Black, Asian, and Racially Minoritised)
  • Mature Students

Advocates from each group host events, provide resources, and create online spaces for students to connect and engage with each other. They are dedicated to making sure that you feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout your time at UWE.

What you can expect:

  • Monthly Safe Spaces: Advocates host regular meetups where students can share their experiences, connect with one another, and amplify their voices in a supportive environment.
  • Online Communities: We’ve developed new online safe spaces, managed by the advocates, where you can access resources, participate in discussions, and find out about upcoming events. These spaces are a great way to stay connected, even if you can’t attend in person.
  • Events & Campaigns: From Black History Month to Disability History Month, our advocates are involved in key university campaigns that raise awareness and celebrate diversity.
  • Outreach Opportunities: Advocates also work closely with the wider UWE Bristol community and external organisations, ensuring the work we do has a lasting impact.

How to join:

Interested in being part of this supportive community? It’s easy to get involved! Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you.

To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up!

For more information, please email the Widening Participation Team: CHSS.WPTeam@uwe.ac.uk

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Advocates – they’re here to support you!

Allyship in our community

Author Student Communications | Posted on

Written by Brodie Goodall (They/Them)

Allyship is a crucial part of queer liberation. The need for allies grows by the day as members of the LGBTQ+ community are denied life saving healthcare, are used as political tools, struggle to find safe spaces, do not see accurate and inclusive representations of themselves in the media, healthcare, education and more. Being at university is an amazing experience but can be daunting and stressful so having peer support can make a massive difference to mental health. 

As a queer student I find it so helpful when other students support me, something that makes a big impact is when others correct someone for misgendering me (use the wrong pronouns), as I don’t always feel confident enough to do it myself. When someone asks about my romantic life and they don’t use gendered language to not assume my sexuality or my partners pronouns is great too!

So what is an ally? 

Being an ally encompasses actively fighting or advocating for rights,  educating yourself and standing up for communities you are not part of. It’s important to remember that being an ally doesn’t simply mean not being bigoted, it’s active, year round – not just for pride month, or for cisgendered heterosexuals. LGBTQ+ people can work towards being better allies too – I’ll touch upon my allyship later. 

How can you be an ally?

Be appropriate

Asking a trans person about their transition and body can be a painful conversation for many individuals, so it is not acceptable to ask about these things unless you have prior consent. Asking someone about their sex life because they don’t share the same sexuality as you is invasive and inappropriate. If you have a non-invasive question (check in with yourself about what may be uncomfortable), ask if they are happy to discuss first. Some people revel in the opportunity to educate others, but remember that is not always the case, it is not their job, and that it may be a sensitive and personal topic. 

The darker side of the rainbow

LGBTQIA+ rights still have a long way to go. As much as we celebrate with sparkles and glitter in honour of our pride, it is important to acknowledge the struggle many still face on a daily basis. Pride began as a protest and still is in many ways, it is crucial to remember those who fought for the right to live authentic lives and to appreciate those who continue to do so. If you do not know the name Marsha P. Johnson, please take a moment to research and delve further into the deep and important past of LGBTQ+ rights. 

Gender-neutral language

Much of the English language has developed around gendered terms. Using gender neutral language when possible will help avoid the unintentional misgendering of your peers, including those identifying outside of the gender binary and reduce assumptions around peoples sexualities. This will also help to move us away from language that centers around binary [/or] male dominated terminology, which will contribute to gender equality and decolonising language and queerness – colonialism has introduced patriarchal practices to many indigenous communities who’s cultures often do not fit within the gender binary systems colonisation has placed upon them. 

Consider using:

  • Humankind over Mankind, 
  • Police-officer over Policewoman/man, 
  • Workforce over manpower,
  • Chairperson over chairman/woman,
  • Gender neutral pronouns if you don’t know preferences. 

Pronouns

Respecting peoples pronouns is important. If you are unsure, using gender neutral pronouns like they, them and theirs is encouraged, but it’s also okay to ask people what their pronouns are. You should never assume that your instinct on somebody’s gender is correct. Some may not feel comfortable sharing and that’s okay. If you get someone’s pronouns wrong simply apologise, correct yourself and move on.

Offering your pronouns is a good way of showing people that you are a safe person to share theirs with, and helps normalise the conversation which can make navigating communication and social situations easier for trans people. 

Consider putting your pronouns in your email signature or when introducing yourself to new people: 

‘Hey I’m Brodie, they/them’. Pronoun badges are cheap and accessible too! 

Assumptions

Making assumptions about anyone or the people they are close too may have negative affects on a person. In this context, it is important not to assume someones gender, sexuality, assigned sex at birth or pronouns. 

  • Anatomy does not equal gender. 
  • Clothes, makeup and colour have no gender. 
  • Sexuality and gender are separate things.
  • Not everyone is straight and not all who aren’t straight are gay. 

We can all work to be better allies. As a white member of the LGBTQ+ community it is my duty to be mindful of the fact that my voice and presence holds privilege. To be a better ally, I try and focus my self education on intersectionality, marginalisation, and the origins of LGBTQ+ issues. I have recently learnt of decolonial-queer theory, which highlights the heteronormative and rigid sex-gender systems that have been imposed through colonisation and the implications of this. You can read more about this here: (https://blossom.lgbt/decolonisation-marginalised-voices-in-queer-history-month/) 

Thanks for reading,

Brodie Goodall (they/them)

An insight – my experiences on sexual harassment

Author Student Communications | Posted on

By Anna Burt, EDI Champion.

I’ve been experiencing sexual harassment since I was at school and throughout my adult life, like most of my friends and peers. Every woman I know has multiple experiences of harassment; everyone has stories and they are usually quite horrific.

I have been targeted in bars and clubs with unwanted attention and inappropriate touching. I have been cat called from vans whilst in my school uniform and wolf whistled during a job interview. I have been followed, chased and had someone expose themselves while I was walking with friends.

When I experience harassment like this, it really negatively impacts my mental health. I always come away wishing I had done more or said more, but when faced with a situation which is quite frightening, I find I shut down or withdraw. I am a fairly outgoing person and happy to have a natter with someone on the street, but being at the receiving end of harassment like this destroys my confidence and power. I feel small and vulnerable, and as if any kind of agency I had has been taken away. I find myself becoming mistrustful of everyone and unnecessarily judgemental. I hate feeling this way, but have learnt to adapt to survive.  

This kind of behaviour happens so regularly throughout our lives that my friends and I have become completely accustomed to it. We talk about it casually when friends ask us how our week was, they become part of our shared memories: ‘remember that night out where that guy…’ or ‘when we lived in that flat near that man…’. We know how to report it; we’ve told staff, we’ve warned friends. We detach ourselves from the trauma with humour and complacency.

We are so acclimatised to a constant low-level threat that it becomes part of our daily life. Autumn is my favourite time of year but I struggle with the darker months as it feels like I have a curfew as soon as it gets dark. If I’m ever going anywhere, I let my friends and family know and put my live location on. I share my journey with friends when I’m in an Uber and always try and sit near the driver when on buses. I carry a power pack in case my phone loses battery and I can’t contact anyone. I don’t walk with headphones in or my phone out and have learnt to be over-vigilant when walking alone, always looking ahead and behind me and for any easy exits. I have made myself late for appointments because the bus was too crowded and I felt trapped near someone who was acting strangely. I trust my gut and intuition above all, but often this hyper vigilance when I’m just trying to get home can be exhausting.

It’s second nature in my female friendship groups to state how far away we are, when we’ve got home safely and to put our keys in between our knuckles when we leave the house. We wait for others to get in their taxis or get on their trains. We schedule face times and over-plan our routes. We buy alarms and sprays, torches and whistles, all to simply get home.

I’ve had a few men make jokes about how women always go to the toilet together, not realising it’s a way we’ve learnt to keep ourselves safe.

Every day women in this country carry out these little rituals in order to keep themselves alive.

Sometimes I get lost in the mundanity of it all, but it’s so important to take a step back and realise: No. This is not ok, this is not acceptable and it shouldn’t be happening.

All this being said, allies and advocates do help. In all the harassment I have experienced, I have also had people help. When walking home at night, some men have pulled back so they aren’t walking so close to me, or crossed the street to show they aren’t a threat. Friends have carefully manoeuvred themselves to block me from people in clubs. I’ve had family members stay up late to make sure I got in ok or offer a lift home. Bar staff have contacted security for me and trustworthy strangers have watched my drink when I’ve gone to the toilet or asked me ‘Is this person bothering you?’ if I look cornered.

I’m also learning to be more vocal myself, despite how scary this can be. If anyone makes an inappropriate joke or says something that makes me feel uncomfortable, I try to call them out by parroting what they’ve said back to them – to highlight their sexism.  Sometimes, to challenge stereotypes, I play dumb by saying ‘I don’t understand’ or ‘I’m not sure what you mean by that’. Forcing them to repeat their ‘joke’ and diminishing its humour. It’s not a lot, but it’s a small way to get my power back. Its these small acts that help to combat this behaviour and reinforce what’s always in the back of our minds but not said; No. This is not ok, this is not acceptable and it shouldn’t be happening.

The Spiking Epidemic

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by BA(Hons) English Literature with Writing student.

I was eight when I first experienced a form of sexual assault.

Eight.

I was fourteen when I experienced my next form of assault. I was walking back home with a group of similarly aged friends when a man stopped us on the street in broad daylight and took out his penis in front of us.

Fourteen.

Since then I have experienced countless amounts of catcalls, gross comments and awkward touches. Most of them have been in broad daylight with groups of people around. None of them would say anything, even fewer would blink an eye.

Approximately one in five young women and girls will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, while one in twenty men will be abused once in their life. Yet our judicial system, one who claims to stand and support survivors of assault, is failing us. Only one in one hundred cases in 2021 were recorded by police, with most cases tucked away to be forgotten about (Rapecrisis.org).

This topic, one so taboo, is also a growing epidemic. British drinking and clubbing culture has led to an increase in spiking cases, so how can we stop this from escalating further?  

Some ways that you can prevent spiking in the case of you or your friends include:

  1. Always buy your own drink and watch it get poured
  2. Never leave your drink unattended or in the presence of strangers 
  3. Go to clubs with groups of friends or people that you trust
  4. Make sure to go to places in pairs, never leave to places alone or with people you don’t know
  5. Cover your drinks! 

Following these tips can help in preventing instances of spiking but, if you do believe you or a friend has been spiked, go to a trusted friend or family member that can take you to safety and call 999 to report it as soon as possible.

Rapecrisis.org also offer a support helpline, available Monday – Thursday: 13:00 – 17:00, 18:00 – 21:00 and Friday: 14:00 – 17:00. Call 0808 802 9999 or chat to them online.

Sources:

“Statistics about Sexual Violence and Abuse.” Rape Crisis England & Wales, rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/statistics-sexual-violence/.

I’m striving to be a better ally, and you can too!

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Rahul Aswani, Vice President Community and Welfare, The Students’ Union at UWE Bristol.

As your VP Community and Welfare, I think UWE Bristol is a very exciting place to be, with many experiences for you to enjoy and have. I am passionate that UWE Bristol is a community where we all feel welcome and safe.

From my personal experiences here at UWE Bristol, I am striving to be a better ally to ensure we stay safe together. I am looking at my own behaviour to make sure I am not making anyone feel uncomfortable.

I am a vocal advocate for anti-spiking campaigns and I support my friends to seek support if they have experienced any form of harassment.

In my role this year as your VP Community and Welfare, if there are spaces where you feel unsafe or want to see change, please do get in touch as I am here to represent you! As part of my manifesto, I am lobbying UWE for funding to provide first aid training to more students and bringing greater awareness to the emergency contact numbers at UWE Bristol.

Get in touch by email – VPcommwelfare@uwe.ac.uk

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