Hi everyone, it’s Phoebe, Students' Union President Farnham!  

Since the start of the year, I have been working on cost-of-living support initiatives with the aim of helping students make their money stretch and provide wellbeing support. I have done this by starting UCASU’s first student foodbank! The food bank offers food and hygiene products and aims to host a non-judgemental and safe space for students to access support, learn more about money and destigmatise access to support. Open twice a week to all students, no questions asked.  

In the summer, I first started by researching how the cost of living affects students and identifying which areas I could help in. I decided to focus on food support. From there, the idea of a student food bank started. I began researching local food banks, other university food banks and what is needed to start your own foodbank. This research became invaluable to creating the food bank we have today.  

After research, I took action. I reached out to university staff for support and guidance and spoke to students to make sure their opinion was voiced throughout the decision-making process. I hosted an event at Glasshouse to raise money for furniture and stock for the food bank. We raised an amazing £380! I focused on making sure to get a range of food to accommodate any dietary requirements or cultural preferences. I wanted to make sure the food provided was nutritional and enough for students to create healthy, balanced meals. I also focused on collected resources and making my own to give students opportunities to gain support beyond what the food bank offers.  

I spent a lot of time securing a room, furniture and stock, but once that was done I focused on opening. I wanted in make sure it was ideal for students and decided to open end of November for a trial period, so students could give feedback and be part of the changes going forward. The trial period was a great success – we received so much helpful feedback which is going to inform how we run in the new year. We were also able to provide over 60 students with food parcels to support them during the Christmas period.  

Going into the new year, I’m so excited to change and grow the foodbank. My priority is being able to support students, provide advice and resources, all while acting with dignity and care. I thank everyone who has supported the food bank, donated, and made it all possible.  

In addition to the foodbank, I have also been working with the Disabled Student's Society to make sure access to education and materials is equal and available for all students who study at UCA. This has included working to solves problems with lift maintenance, access to the library, and support with accessing further support and wellbeing. This is an ongoing issue that I will continue to work on into the new year. If any students feel effected by this or would like to help, please reach out and we can have a chat!  

In the new year, I am also planning to create more initiative for students to build communities, through art and sport on campus. This could be through new social activities or artistic opportunities on campus. I would love student support and feedback on this to make it all possible, so if you’d like to work with me on this, come pop into the Students' Union office for a chat! 

Happy Holidays and have an amazing break, you all deserve it! 

Phoebe Daniels (President Canterbury 2025/26)