Focussing on Mental Health and Student Safety

Hey, my name is Erin. I am your new Vice President Education and Welfare for High Wycombe 2025/26! I am really excited to start this new journey, and I aim to help as many students as possible. I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received since finding out I had been elected, and I thank everyone who has supported me. I am eager to help students, and I hope to make an impact during my time in office. 

My BNU journey began in 2022, when I started studying a BA (Hons) in Acting for TV, Film, and Stage. The course introduced me to new areas of the industry, which I quickly became interested in alongside my acting. When I joined in my first year, I would have never thought I would be in the position I am in now. I am so grateful to the entire SU Team who supported me in my different roles, and this new one.  

In my second year, I became my course rep, and I progressed to School Officer in my third year. I started getting involved in the BNU Dance Club in my third year, and I had so much fun getting to know a different part of the SU team.  

Here are a few things I’d like to work on during the next year:  

• Student Safety: create a safer system for students to and from placement, create a safer place for students to and from lecturers, and create a safer environment to and from social events.  
• Support Services: create a better communication line between students and the services, ensure better follow-ups for the students, and promote the services to the students in a better way.  
• Mental Health: increase awareness of mental health (including the difference between positive and poor mental health), investigate the current services to see if they can be improved, and implement drop-in sessions with mental health first aiders for immediate support and to lessen the pressure on the counselling service. 

Even though these are my personal goals and objectives for the year, my door is always open for all students, and I am prepared to take on anything that will better your BNU journey.  

I’m ecstatic to meet all our new students and further build relationships with our current students. Let’s have a great year! 

Erin Cook,
Vice President Education and Welfare (High Wycombe)
2025-26