Student Advisors

Student Advisory Committee

The Student Advisory Committee (SAC) advises Student Minds on strategic decisions, our programmes, our projects, our policies and to help inform our methods and approaches to engage students in our work.

The Student Advisory Committee consists of students, recent graduates and Students’ Union officers who will bring their personal and professional experience to help shape the work we do at Student Minds.

Ari

Ari studied English Literature and Film at the University of Reading and graduated in Summer 2022. During this time she was elected as the part-time Women's Officer and held positions in several society committees, even starting her own branch of a volunteering project to relieve period poverty locally, Once a Month Reading. She now works as the Representation and Democracy Coordinator, supporting student leaders in their development, wellbeing and campaigns planning, and is also involved in the People and Operations Committee at Girls Friendly Society and her workplace's Wellbeing Champions.

She got involved with the SAC after having had a passion for student mental health over her time as a student and now as an SU staff member, both from her own lived experience and the ones from her close friends. Ari wants to normalise long-term ill mental health issues that affect students in their academics, as well as helping a development in support for neurodivergent students and student leaders.

When not at work or tackling her own campaigns, Ari likes to enjoy her time reading, making dragons out of origami and crocheting. Although she does love a good drawing board when it comes to explaining ideas!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Mullenger is a mature student reading Public Health and Community Studies at Coventry University. She also works within the university’s curriculum enhancement team, focusing on updating and improving the university experience for both staff and students, particularly in terms of mental health and wellbeing. Elizabeth’s ongoing journey of mental health recovery drives her passion for change and advocating for preventative care, particularly within higher education.

Her hobbies include volunteering for Papyrus, Shout and the NHS, as well as buying more books than she can possibly ever get through.

Jeeves

Alongside his role on the SAC at Student Minds, Jeeves is the Founding CEO of the National Multifaith Youth Centre and the Deputy Head of Operations at Faiths Forum for London, the leading regional multifaith charity in the country. He is also a Regional Coordinator at the Strengthening Faith Institutions Programme where he supports over 170 grassroots Places of Worship professionalise their operational practices. Jeeves graduated in 2019 with a BA in Philosophy and Politics from the University of York and is currently undertaking a part-time MPA in Faith-based Leadership at the University of Birmingham.

To look after his well-being Jeeves does pottery painting, plays chess & listens to thunderstorm noises while playing golf... true story.

Kevin

Kevin is in his final year at the University of Leeds studying Sustainability and Environmental Management. He is interested in managing social and infrastructural aspects of our surroundings to encourage sustainable behaviours. Through the SAC Kevin would like to do this by co-producing support facilities and wellbeing activities for students in groups usually underrepresented in the mental health sector such as people of colour, men and LGBTQIA+ people. Kevin was interested in joining the SAC to help develop the tools, facilities and spaces for students to feel empowered and comfortable to manage their wellbeing and mental health.

When looking after his own wellbeing, Kevin enjoys yoga, recreational sports and taking care of his plants, and at any part of the day you can find him listening to music. I'm a sucker for a good ghost story and outdoor adventure activities.

Leon

Leon Omangi Gichana is a highly motivated and dedicated law student, currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in corporate and commercial law at the University of Sheffield. With a strong passion for advocacy and inclusivity, Leon brings his experience as a law student to the Student Advisory Committee, seeking to make positive change for students at both national and international levels. Throughout his studies, Leon has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of support networks and access to resources for students facing issues with their mental and emotional well-being. He is driven to make an impact and bring empathy to his roles and interventions, and through his involvement with the Student Advisory Committee, he hopes to continue to shape the conversation and bring attention to the critical need for accessible and inclusive support for student mental health.

As a student representative on the Student Advisory Committee, Leon hopes to bring his unique perspective and insights to the table, advocating for the needs and interests of all students. With a commitment to accessible and inclusive support for students, Leon is passionate about promoting student mental health and well-being and is eager to make a positive impact in this area. Through his experience and dedication, Leon is well-equipped to effectively represent the student voice and make meaningful change.

Madeleine

Madeleine completed her undergraduate degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Royal Northern College of Music. Her personal experiences with mental health difficulties led her to get involved with the Student Mental Health Partnerships Project where she became a passionate advocate for co-production and student voice.

She now works at Red Balloon, a charity for children out of school due to bullying, trauma and mental ill-health, as a fundraiser and Diversity and Inclusion LGBTQ+ champion. She also works with Sistema Scotland, using music as a tool for social good in under-resourced communities.

As a queer person of color and past international student she is particularly invested in ensuring all voices (especially those from marginalized backgrounds) are able to contribute to the conversations around and further development of our university (and wider) mental health infrastructures.

To unwind from trying to smash systems of oppression she hangs out with her little scruffy rescue dog, Mila.

Mahbub

Mahbub currently serves as a Campus Officer at Coventry University London, while pursuing a Global Business and Management degree as a final year undergraduate student. He has established a noteworthy reputation for effectively representing and advocating for students at all levels and has held this responsibility for the past two consecutive years.

Mahbub's involvement in the academic community extends beyond his studies, as he is a valued member of the University's Board of Study and the Quality in Learning and Teaching Committee, which is the highest-level academic committee at Coventry University London. He plays a significant role in steering the strategic direction of Teaching & Learning by sitting on the board alongside esteemed academic staff.

Mahbub has a personal connection to mental health, stemming from his own experiences, and he is eager to work with Student Minds to address the mental health issues faced by international students. He recognizes the substantial impact that mental health can have on a university experience, especially for students who are far from home, and is committed to providing support for these individuals.

When it comes to maintaining his own well-being, Mahbub finds joy in playing cricket, listening to podcasts and Ted Talks, and spending quality time with his friends and family.

Mia

Mia is a masters student studying Clinical Psychology and Mental Health at the University of Sussex. Mia’s interest in mental health stems from personal experience of living with a mental health disability, and has continued to grow through her studies. She hopes to draw on both her lived experience and what she’s learnt on her course to advise Student Minds on strategic matters and have a positive influence on the future of student mental health on a national scale.

Mia identifies as belonging to multiple typically underrepresented groups in higher education, which has led her to get involved in several staff-student partnership projects at her university. She is currently working on projects to improve inclusivity within the school of psychology, support student wellbeing across the university, and advising on the university’s Access and Participation Plan.

At any point during the day, Mia is probably listening to music - some of her favourite artists include Rina Sawayama, Fiona Apple, Jeff Rosenstock, and Cheekface, all of whom have helped her mental health at various points in life. Mia also enjoys reading (in an attempt to get through her overflowing bookshelf), practising yoga, and going to the cinema as ways of looking after her own wellbeing.

Natasha

Natasha’s interest in mental health prompted her to volunteer for charities including Samaritans and Student Minds whilst doing her undergraduate degree. After completing her postgrad in Psychology she undertook work to support individuals with mild to severe learning disabilities by working as a research assistant and support worker. Natasha is currently a degree apprentice - studying out of Staffordshire University for her current role of Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. Through this she supports clients with their mental health through providing talking therapies, this has encouraged her to take an active role in creating a safe and inclusive dialogue around mental health to break down stigmas.

To look after her wellbeing Natasha enjoys playing and coaching netball and korfball in addition to spending time with her family, friends, and beautiful dogs!

Rachel

Rachel is a part time Masters student in Gender, Conflict and Human Rights at Ulster University
Belfast. She first got involved in mental health campaigning as a teenager in local youth groups. She hopes to use her lived experiences as a late diagnosed autistic woman to advocate for mental health and neurodiversity acceptance. She is passionate about disability campaigning and wants to make sure disabled students are not left behind when it comes to discussions about mental health.

Rachel previously completed a BA in English and History at Queen’s University Belfast. During this time, she was on the committee for the Mind Your Mood Campaign as well as QUB Inclusion.

To look after her wellbeing, she likes to spend time with her cats, read and visit museums.

Raquel

Raquel is a recent Masters of Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience graduate from City, University of London. Having a particular interest in student mental health and wellbeing, Raquel has explored the way students from different ethnic backgrounds experience loneliness and anxiety in Higher Education. Before joining her current role as Representation and Democracy Coordinator at City Students’ Union, Raquel was Students’ Union Vice-President at Middlesex University with a main focus on implementing a university-wide approach to mental health.

Raquel is interested in the holistic and tailored approach to mental health, especially when identifying barriers to accessing and receiving support in the context of Higher Education. As a member of the SAC, Raquel will be able to learn from others and contribute to a space that could lead to positive changes to the student experience.

To look after her own wellbeing, Raquel likes to sit by the sea, go for walks, play volleyball and watch Formula 1 (not so great recently as a Mercedes fan).

Ruth

Ruth has been elected Student Living Officer at University of Bristol Students' Union for the last two years, representing students on issues around mental health, housing and sustainability. During their time as a student, they were very involved in all kinds of student activism, from campaigning for better mental health services to running a number of rent strikes to fight for better student housing.

Ruth wanted to get involved in the SAC to make a difference to student mental health on a national scale, and is particularly passionate about tackling the structural and societal problems which impact student mental health. They are excited to use their lived experience as well as policy knowledge from their time as a sabbatical officer on the SAC to influence the way Student Minds works and hopefully make a difference!

To relax after a long day, Ruth loves to chill with their flatmates and watch reality tv!

Sarah

Sarah is a PhD student passionate about design, mental wellbeing and advocating for minority groups. She believes in the transformative power of education, and the value of creativity and design in addressing complex societal issues in academic research and in daily life, such as mental health or wellbeing.

Her research embraces critical theories, design, and student voice to explore emotional and mental wellbeing with Black students.

Building upon her research and lived experience, SAC offers an ideal opportunity to contribute in a space that could lead to positive changes to the student experience.

Seiara

Seiara is a recent graduate from King's College London, completing her Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health. She is passionate about raising awareness about the importance of community, support and building self-autonomy. Her interest in Student Minds came from working in the Positive Digital Practices project as a Student Panel Member, co-creating resources to support mental wellbeing for distance, commuter and part-time students.

She is a founding member of the Applied Neuroscience Association, a non-profit organization spreading neuroscience for social good. As a firm believer in education, Seiara is the creator, producer and host of the Behind the Stigma Podcast where she speaks to researchers and clinicians in the field of psychiatry, neuroscience and psychology, to help translate scientific research into lay terms.

In her free time Seiara loves raving, techno music and engaging in activities like circuit training, walks in nature, and reading.

Shivali

Shivali has recently graduated from with an Economics Undergraduate degree from the University of Kent.

Shivali is passionate about advocating for improved mental health support and services and uses their lived experience and the voices of their peers to drive change at their University. This year, they founded Kent Mind Society to support Mind and Student Minds, create safe spaces for students on campus and destigmatise conversations around mental health. Shivali is keen to continue the great work of Student Minds through their role on the SAC to support students on a national level.

To relax and look after their wellbeing, Shivali likes to go for walks, listen to music and crochet. They are currently working on making a crochet cloud-igan to wear!

Thomas

Thomas completed his undergraduate at the University of Kent in 2021 with a BSc in Psychology. He currently studies an MSc in Management at the University of Kent.

Thomas developed a passion for student mental health during his undergraduate degree when he was elected President of the University of Kent’s Psychology Society during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout several national lockdowns. He was keen to help keep students connected with each other, especially during prolonged periods of isolation, through running a host of online events throughout the academic year. He was also eager to use this platform to raise awareness of various mental health disorders, such as eating disorders.

During Thomas’ downtime, he likes to go running, chill at home with his favourite takeaway, or meet up with his friends at his favourite coffee shops in Canterbury!

More info about Thomas...

After coming second place for Vice-President Welfare and Community in his Students Union leadership elections (2020-21); in which he campaigned for continued investment and diversification into mental health services as well as further mental health awareness and destigmatisation initiatives, Thomas was still very keen to continue with his passion for student mental health. He saw the opportunity to join Student Minds’ Student Advisory Committee as the perfect chance to help use this experience to advise Student Minds on strategic matters and help shape the future of student mental health across the United Kingdom for the better.

Verity

Verity studied a BA in Psychology at The Open University and is currently doing an MSc in The Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health at Kings College London. She has worked and volunteered for a number of years in suicide prevention, focusing on preventing youth suicide. Through her personal experience, she understands how important it is for people to be able to access timely support, and have open and honest conversations when they are in crisis. She hopes to be able to use her personal and professional experience of mental health and the charity sector through the SAC to support Student Minds to make a positive difference in students' mental health. Verity currently managed the national support service for young people impacted by gambling-related harm at GamCare and is passionate about bringing this hidden harm into the spotlight.

To support her own wellbeing she seeks out daily laughter, movement and gratitude.

Zuzanna

Zuzanna is the current VP Wellbeing & Community at Lincoln SU, and a recent MA degree graduate in Gender Studies. She came to the UK when she was 19, doing a BA degree in Journalism and International Relations at DMU. As an immigrant, financially independent and working student, she went through a lot of mental health difficulties that took her a long time to understand and heal. As a Sabbatical Officer and as a member of SAC, her goal is to make sure that students’ well-being is looked at holistically and taken care of by each HE department. Every student deserves access to comprehensive wellbeing and mental health care.

When Zuzanna is not at work (or thinking about work), she loves cooking food that reminds her of home (Poland), watching docuseries on Netflix, reading feminist books, and getting her steps in on long walks and during hiking trips.