Caffeine Magazine January 2022

caffeine magazine CREATED BY FRANCESCA ASU PRESS & COMMS

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALL THINGS AECC JANUARY 2022

AECC DISCOUNT LOCATIONS

Find local cafés and restaurants where it pays to be at the AECC.

CHAMPIONS Take a look at all of this year’s Champions and find out what they can do for you!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Find out what some of our amazing 2021 graduates have been up to since leaving the AECC

OUR TOP ASU NETFLIX PICKS RECOMMENDED FOR YOU TO ENJOY AT YOUR LEISURE!

Hello and welcome to the January 2022 edition of the Caffeine Magazine!

This edition is designed to be a celebration! We have finally been able to come together again this last term with the reopening of the student bar and the bringing back of face-to-face teaching, allowing us to really become a community once more.

In this edition, you will find lots of suggestions for Netflix and Spotify, read about a selection of our newest alumni as well as discovering what's been going on this past semester and what else there is to come! Keep this nearby for inspiration and let's continue to make this year as enjoyable and exciting as possible!

As always the ASU team are all here to help and support you wherever possible, as well as represent the student voice in meetings and wider decision making throughout the university college.

Come March of this year, we will be running the elections for our next team involving individual campaigns and hustings. If you think this is something you might be interested in, keep an eye on your emails for details of each role and how you can apply!

If you have any suggestions for your current ASU Team on things to do or ways in which we can support you better, please pop us an email at SUExec@aecc.ac.uk.

Have something you'd like featured in the next edition of the Caffeine Magazine or Toilet Paper? Contact Francesca on sucomms@aecc.ac.uk.

P A R T

O F

A S U

Vote for your New ASU Team 2022/2023 and what roles you can apply for!

A

D A Y

I N

T H E

L I F E

Find out what a typical day in the life of SU President is like.

L E T T E R

F R O M

R H I A N Y D D

Welcome back message from SU Student Engagement Manager, Rhianydd.

C O V I D

H O M E

T E S T S

Continue staying safe on campus and testing regularly at home.

T H E N

&

N O W

See what life was like pre, during and post-COVID. C H A M P I O N S

Find out what each of our SU Champions can do for you.

L O C A L

A E C C

D I S C O U N T S

Your definitive list of our favourite local businesses where it pays to be AECC.

G R A D U A T I O N

2 0 2 1

Our wonderful alumni from 2021 celebrated their graduation this autumn!

A N T I - S P I K I N G

C A M P A I G N

Find out how we are protecting you from drink spiking with our new Campaign.

N E T F L I X

P I X

What you should watch on your next Netflix & Chill evening.

A S U

S P O T I F Y

A C C O U N T

Playlists for every occasion. Put together by students, for students.

S T A Y I N G

S A F E

O N L I N E

A few top tips to remember in everincreasingly online world.

S U I C I D E

P R E V E N T I O N

BU, AUB & AECC - Working together on a new Student Suicide Prevention Plan.

U S E F U L

P H O N E

N U M B E R S

A list of useful local and national numbers for you to call should you need to during your time at university.

A E C C

P H Y S I O

C O U R S E

Entering into the second year of the AECC Physiotherapy course - so far a success! ' Y O U

S A I D ,

W E

D I D '

Take a look at the new AECC UC Campaign, 'You Said, We Did'.

P R O T E I N

S H A K E

Check out all the latest AECC Sports info on our new blog: Protein Shake.

A S U

G Y M

Find out what exciting clubs you can join to make the most of your new gym!

O U R

S P O R T S

T E A M S

Take a look at all the sports teams we have on offer - maybe join one for 2022!

W H E R E

A R E

T H E Y

N O W ?

Take a look at where some of our wonderful graduates have ended up.

F R E S H E R S '

W E E K

2 0 2 1

Take a look back over some of our 2021 Freshers' Week highlights and memories.

E L B A T

13 17 18 19 20 21 27 29 31 35 41 43 44 45

CONTENTS

11

B E C O M E

F O

3 5 6 7 8 9

WHY BECOME PART OF THE ASU?

By Mollie Stannard Your ASU President 2021-2022 As I come towards the end of my time at the AECC UC and the end of my role on the ASU, it's only natural to reflect. Being part of the ASU has been the most rewarding but also challenging thing I have done and I would give anything to be able to do it all again.

Being part of a fantastic team, I have spent the last two years constantly laughing and have learnt so much about myself, my abilities, and have grown in confidence.

When I started in the role I had never sat on a Board of Governors, Academic Board or experienced half the challenges I have and what it has taught me has been invaluable. I have written reports for the Office of Students, spearheaded campaigns in period poverty and learnt how to support my peers and fellow officers, all with the love and guidance of the amazing Rhianydd (SU Manager).

If anyone is considering being part of the ASU I would say to you, be prepared for hard work, but also be prepared for the best year of your life, full of laughter and love and something you will never regret.

If anyone has any questions about being on the ASU, what it involves or just wants to talk through how they might want to join the team, please feel free to contact me: supresident@aecc.ac.uk.

VOTE & APPLY FOR YOUR

Team 2022/23 HERE FOR YOU!

Go vote!

starting in march!

Name: Mollie Stannard

Role: ASU President

A Day in the Life.. <10th November 2021> 9am 9-10am

Get into the SU Office, grab a quick coffee, set myself up for the day.

Check emails and follow up on any issues or queries raised overnight.

First meeting of the day, comment on the student 10-11am perspective and provide insight into life as a student at the AECC. 11- Order Lunch from the AECC Campus Café website 11:30am and settle into some studying.

Collect lunch from the wonderful Campus Café and 12pm settle down to eating and a chat with whomever else is in the office.

Welcome some students into the SU office and 12:30answer some of their questions about the upcoming 1pm ASU event.

A few more emails, a little more study and 1-2pm working on some new SU initiatives.

2-3pm

Second meeting of the day, discussing postgrad student needs and how to better support them.

3- Pack up my stuff and follow up on any 3:30pm conversations to be had with the SU team.

3:30pm

Head over to BU with Rhianydd for a collaborative conference on Student Suicide Prevention and Policy.

Some great content, advice, support and discussion 4-6pm between AUB, BU and AECC as well as Dorset Health Provision about keeping students safe.

6pm

Home time!

A letter from Rhianydd the ASU Manager.

I would like to take the opportunity to welcome everyone back for Semester 2 and also extend a special welcome to the new cohort of Physio students who started at the beginning of January.

It has been so lovely to see so many of you back on campus this academic year with the reopening of the bar and gym. As a University we were very privileged to have had more face to face opportunities than others during the pandemic but nothing can replace the social activities that the university setting provides.

Over the last few months the rebuilding of the AECC UC community has been tangible and we are very grateful to show the students that have not experienced it before that they chose the right place to study.

As the current ASU Exec reach the end of their term I would like to extend my thanks to them all for what has been a truly amazing year. They have worked tirelessly for the student body to ensure that their needs were represented at all times.

Working through the pandemic was tough but navigating out of one (or at least learning to live alongside it), with the ever changing regulations and guidances has arguably been harder. The team have worked together with the institution with respect, professionalism and always and above all a student centred approach. Its always a difficult time of year for me, saying goodbye to an old team and learning to work alongside a new one.

However, despite my trepidation I am never disappointed and always suprised by the amazing talents that lay among our student community. I am very excited to see what happens next.

Rhianydd

KEEP TESTING REGULARLY

Don’t forget to keep testing twice weekly!

You can get yourself a home testing kit from Main Reception and report your result online at: HTTPS://WWW.GOV.UK/REPORT-COVID19-RESULT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING COVID, YOU CAN ANONYMOUSLY EMAIL COVIDCONCERNS@AECC.AC.UK.

Then & Now Before Covid-19, we were all working in ways we had been for a number of years. Things had adapted and changed slightly over the years but our core principles stayed the same.

Before

COVID

Lockdown As we stared to consider how we might have to continue to adapt, we were able to reflect upon the benefits of forced change and recognise where we might be able to use what we have learnt to protect, inform and update our future.

Due to working from home and a need to protect ourselves and our community we rapidly had to find new ways of working.

Stepping Back In...

The

Present

Although aware that everything doesn't always run smoothly, we have been able to adapt to a new way of working, listen to students opinions and bring ourselves strongly into the 21st century.

The

FUTURE Looking forward, we know students are at the heart of all that we do and have proven that change is not always a bad thing. We have learnt a lot and now see the importance of applying these lessons in the future.

The Champions are elected members of the student body who promote and represent areas which are often under represented, passed over or are areas of interest.

They are responsible for improving and raising awareness about different aspects of university life. Our current Champions are: Wellbeing, Sustainability, LGBTQ+, Disability, Women's and BAME. The roles consist of running social media pages aimed at providing information regarding their specialist area to the student body, organising student events, providing a voice for their specialist areas in university wide meetings and aiding in the Students' Union university wide initiative of Wellness Week, a week designed to promote looking after oneself and others.

WELLBEING

BAME

@aecc_wellbeing

@aeccbame

SUSTAINABILITY

WOMEN’S

@aecc_sustainability

@aecc_womens

LGBTQ+

DISABILITY

@aecc_lgbt

@aecc_disability

CHAMPIONS What do our Champions get up to?

O u r We l l b e i n g C h a m p i o n ( T rin Dancy) works closely alongside the Wellbei n g T e am f r o m S t u d ent Services, directing stud ents to where t h e y can g e t he l p , s h o u l d they need it.

O u r BA M E C h a m p i o n ( D a v i d Oko) is the port of call fo r all minority e t h nic s t u d e nt s . H e w o r k s closely alongside all the International S o c ietie s a n d t h e A c c e s s a nd Participation board to ensure all ethnic minorit y s t u de n t s a r e g i v e n equal opportunities, access and support b y the u n i v e rs i t y .

O u r Su s t a i n a b i l i t y C h a m p i on (Lina Schwarz) focuses on how the U n i versi t y C ol l e g e c o u l d b e kinder to the planet. Whether this is to do w i t h rec y c l i n g, s a v i n g e n e rgy or using fewer paper towels to dry your h a n ds, L i n a i s a l w a y s c o m ing up with new ways to help the planet!

O u r Wo m e n ' s C h a m p i o n ( M aria Kawik) is there for all our students w h o id e n t i f y a s s h e / h e r a nd ensure that they all feel included, s u p por t e d a n d r e p r e s e n t ed within the university.

O u r LG B T Q + C h a m p i o n ( D a nielle Oberman) represen ts the LGBTQ+ c o m mun i t y o n c a m p u s . W h ether it’s organising event s to raise a w a ren e s s a n d s o c i a l i s e , t o celebrate our individual differences or just b e a hel p i n g ha n d t o t h o s e who need it, Danielle is available for s u p por t , a d v i c e a n d g u i d a nce.

A n d fina l l y , o ur D i s a b i l i t y Champion (Brooke Amos) re presents all our r e g ister e d d i sa b l e d s t u d e n ts. They sit on the Access and Participation b o a rd to e n s ur e t h e c o r r e c t support and equal opportunities are a f f orded t o al l s t u d e n t s , r e gardless of any disabilitie s.

F o r mo r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n o ur champions scheme, and to check out all t h e hard w o r k t h e y ' r e d o i n g, follow their Instagram pages!

LOCAL AECC DI SCOUNTS WHERE IT PAYS (OR SAVES) TO BE AECC

LE MUNCH: 10% OFF WITH YOUR AECC ID CARD

LITTLE PICKLE 10% off with your AECC ID Card

15% STUDENT DISCOUNT Callie Ann Lashes & Brows

SUNDAY CLUB 15% Off for AECC Students

10% OFF Central Story Boscombe Other offers for AECC Students available each day

M’S BAKERY 5% off with AECC ID Card Not Open Sunday or Monday

LIGHTNING HAIR DESIGNS: 20% OFF HAIR CUTS. RING LIGHTNING HAIR DESIGNS

BOSCANOVA 10% off when you show your AECC ID card

FIONA @ CLARENCE'S HAIRDRESSING 20% off first visit and 10% off all visits after this. Call and ask for Fiona.

Uses ethical, cruelty-free products.

QUAFF & TIPPLE Offer a range of discounts to AECC students when you show an AECC ID Card.

Why not pop in to hear about their range of offers?

And don't forget to sign up as a student to UniDays, Student Beans, Amazon Prime and Spotify for more amazing sales everywhere!

AECC Physiotherapy Course Last January we launched a brand new Physiotherapy Course which is now well underway on our new Garnet Campus!

This course runs from January to January, rather than the other courses which are September-September so we’re really pleased to have recently welcomed our second cohort of students registered on the programme.

The course is a masters preregistration course which takes on students who have completed a previous degree in subjects such as sports science and rehabilitation. Students study at a Level 7 for all units except for their placement units, which occur in the first and second year.

These units are studied at a Level 6, hence pre-registration.

Once students have completed all four 7-week placement blocks over the two years and accumulated 1000 hours of practice, as well as successfully passing all the other units over the two years, they are then eligible to apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The course itself consists of the following units in the first year: Human Science in Practice, Professional Practice, Concepts of Practice and Developing Physiotherapy Practice Skills 1 with the students going out on placement for their Physiotherapy Practice 1 unit.

They then finish the year with Person Centred Practice and Mental health units.

And in the second year: Developing Physiotherapy Skills 2, Research Methods in Health Science and Advanced Practice Skills before going out on placement for their Physiotherapy Practice 2 unit. They finish the year with their Physiotherapy Dissertation unit.

The facilities for this course were provided on the new Garnet Campus for the start of the course, which included a skills lab and rehabilitation lab. New equipment was then later bought specifically for the different unit and course requirements.

The skills lab was only temporary for the beginning of the course and from Semester 2, Year 1 students will be moving over to the new skills lab, based in Cavendish House. Otherwise they use the wet and dry lab for the students’ ‘Human Science in Practice’ unit.

MUSE is carried out half way through the units so that student feedback can be acted upon for the current cohort and for the next cycle of the unit delivery.

The course has been a great success to date, as is reflected in comments from the students and from internal and external colleagues. The real success will be following Year 2 (December 2022) when students will be applying for jobs.

The number of students gaining jobs will demonstrate the actual success of the course.

We are just starting to do halfway placement calls with the students and practice educators. The feedback so far has been very positive, with students being very professional, proactive and eager to learn. Some students found that the hospital ward setting was a bit daunting at first and that they needed to get used to the environment, but once settled in they were applying their theory to practice and enjoying their placement experience.

All very positive feedback from Practice Educators as a whole as well which is lovely to hear as it is our first cohort out on placement. Student and Practice Educator evaluations will occur at the end of each placement, so we will be able to provide you with more information then, once they have been collated.

The placements themselves are varied and occur across several different environments, including: NHS, Private, Voluntary and in some cases with our Professional Body, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

“This is a new course which has been started in the pandemic, so it has been a challenge because, not only is it new, so all teaching materials and delivery needed to be developed, but also because we had to deliver it to meet Covid-19 safety requirements. We have therefore had to split the cohort and deliver all the practical sessions twice, which has added to the workload. However, the students have thrived and developed with the blended learning of on-line teaching, as well as face to face teaching using PPE, which hasn’t detracted from the quality of their learning.

[In the future] we aim to have a physiotherapy clinic on-site where our physiotherapy students, as well as students from other universities, can come and gain placement experience. With the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre being built, there will also be opportunities for more in-house placements. In addition, this will provide research opportunities for our students. Already, I am liaising with the Extended Scope Practitioners who are setting up a new clinic within the AECC UC clinic. These developments will provide research opportunities for our students that can be integrated with their Research in their Health Science Unit.”

- Dr. Caroline Belchamber, Course Leader

"As a qualified chiropractor I was inspired by the First Contact Practice initiative to pursue career opportunities within the NHS. The AECC UC physio offering has been the perfect gateway to this, and it highlights the importance of working within a multidisciplinary network.

Contrary to some misplaced preconceptions, I haven’t experienced any evidence of professional tensions on the course, and have felt very welcomed by students and staff alike. I would recommend the course highly to anyone considering branching out into multidisciplinary career pathways, particularly as part of an exciting new landscape of mainstream integration of chiropractors within a wider healthcare network."

- DC Hannah Fairris, ExAECC UC MChiro Student and Current AECC UC Physio Student.

YOU SAID WE DID As a result of previous feedback from students we've: Invested in more equipment Extended room and facility access for students for private study outside class times Provided more consistent timetabling Provided additional technique sessions Increased staff : student ratios on clinic shifts Enhanced assessment submission with the adoption of Turnitin

For more details, visit

aecc.ac.uk/yousaid

Check out our NEW ASU Sports Blog ~ the Protein Shake!

This year we are celebrating the easing of restrictions and the coming together of all our students.

This includes all of our wonderful and amazing sports teams who are now back in business alongside our newly refurbished gym!

In order to showcase all the hard work and sporting prowess of our talented students, the SU has created its own sports blog where we can share stories, training sessions, announcements, league tables and most of all, success!

PROTEIN SHAKE

We have got so many new amazing sports clubs and teams this year, there's something for everyone and so much to choose from!

You can find the full list on the Protein Shake blog, including how to get in contact with the team, where to follow them on social media, and when and where they train and compete.

You'll also be able to find league tables for our BUCS teams to see how the institution is doing in comparison with other university teams around the country.

We will also be sharing regular celebratory posts to applaud all the hard work and success of our students in their chosen areas of sporting expertise.

If you have something you'd like to have mentioned on the Protein Shake, simply email Francesca at sucomms@aecc.ac.uk.

https://asucomms.wixsite.com/proteinshake | 18

ASU GYM! During the various lockdowns we endured in 2020, our wonderful ASU Sports Rep, Lior Menaker, was working tirelessly alongside Eleiko. Eleiko are the leading company for building gyms and they have also worked closely with the International Weightlifting Federation. Together they have completely renovated and redecorated our ASU Gym. It's not too late for you to sign up and make the most of these amazing facilities on campus! All you need to do is pop up to the SU Office with your debit/credit card and fill out one of our sign up sheets. You will then need to do a gym induction to ensure you are covered by our insurance but then you're all set!

We also have a great range of clubs currently running within the gym for you to join; they are: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Movement, Kairos Training Culture, Bootcamp, Table Tennis and Women's Gym Club.

The timetable for when each of these clubs will be occupying the floor space is available and can be accessed on the SU Facebook Page or by going through your emails.

We understand that accidents do happen, and if unfortunately you notice something is broken in the gym, please do just let us know so we can try and get it fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

You can let us know by emailing SUExec@aecc.ac.uk.

We have a wide range of sports teams and clubs available for you to join here at AECC. This year in particular we are fortunate enough to have several new clubs on offer which have been created and are run by our enthusiastic students.

The sports we currently have on offer include: Men’s Rugby, Men’s Football, Women’s Netball, Women’s Handball, Women’s Football, Mixed Athletics, Golf, Swimming, Table Tennis, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Surfing.

We also have gym clubs which run in our onsite gym weekly. These include a Bootcamp, Movement Club, and Yoga.

CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? If you can’t find the society or club for you why not think about starting your own? The SU are always ready to offer support to new clubs and societies.

If you would like to know more, pop us an email on SUExec@aecc.ac.uk.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? Most of our clubs and societies have Instagram pages! Why not pop on over and have a look? Alternatively, head over to the Protein Shake ‘Teams’ Page for contact information!

AECC GRADUATES 2021

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Amy-Louise Faulkner MChiro What have you been up to since leaving the AECC UC? I moved back home to Southeast London, started my first job as a Chiropractor in Southwest London with Chiro.London and have slowly been getting myself into the new routine.

As a company we have attended the Lions of Chiropractic, the BCA and UCA conferences.

In November I graduated and received the BCA leadership award. My boss/mentor has also been supporting me through the RCC PRT programme to support and maintain high standards of care.

Through the course of the year I attend meetings with the BCA Student and New Graduate committee to help the associations

provide support to Chiropractic students and new Chiropractors entering the working world.

I have taken up aerial gymnastics as a hobby to keep myself active and social. It has been great to find something that really suits me and enables me to switch off from working.

How are you finding life in the working world? Are you enjoying it?

I love my job. It is challenging but very rewarding. It is really lovely to know that the sole purpose of my work is to help others feel, move and live better.

Learning to understand my value and what I can offer as a Chiropractor has been challenging but I am gradually recognising that what we do is deserving of being

paid for. I have studied and trained hard to provide a high level of service.

It’s eye opening to be in the working world and important to network and have open conversations with other medical professionals with an open mind.

What’s your biggest or proudest achievement to date?

Graduating. This degree is not easy and my journey through it was rocky to say the least.

Walking across the stage to collect my degree was a great sense of accomplishment. I am very proud of what I have achieved so far and excited for what could come next.

Do you think you have learnt anything since working in the profession? If so, what?

Big time! Completing your degree is like learning how to drive. I passed the test but quite frankly didn’t feel comfortable driving. It’s not until you're out in the real world without the training wheels that you really learn how to drive.

My adjusting skills have immensely improved. I have had a much broader exposure to different communities, ages and lifestyles which has allowed me to develop my communication skills and understand people better. I have already been involved in the diagnosis and management of cases such as Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and brain tumours. Working in conjunction with other medical professionals has been a fantastic learning experience.

Working through the pandemic has also highlighted to me and the public how much Chiropractic is needed.

What would be your top tips for current AECC students?

Keep going, push through, it's worth it!

Pay attention to psychology, the better you can communicate and understand your patients, the better you can care for them.

Attend different seminars throughout your studies. They are a great opportunity to learn and practise your skills, discover different views on chiropractic and network with other chiropractors. They're an investment in you and your career (they are also cheapest when you're a student).

What plans do you have for the future?

I am going to continue building my experience for the next few years and save for my own house. I hope travelling will become easier and safer as time goes on so I can continue indulging my wanderlust. I then hope to start looking into establishing my own clinic and potentially work higher up with the Chiropractic Associations to continue developing our profession and ensuring high standards of care.

AECC GRADUATES 2021

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Paolo Amat BSc Exercise Science and Clinical Rehabilitation What have you been up to since leaving the AECC UC? Since leaving the AECC I took up a 2 month internship with the world renowned FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence Rehabilitation Clinic, Isokinetic. Here I got to experience working alongside some of the best sports doctors for ACL and hamstring reconstruction, physiotherapy and end-stage rehabilitation science in the UK and Europe.

The facilities where

some of the best in the UK and the experience was amazing. I got to work with rehabilitating professional premiership football players of all nationalities and many other professional and semi-professional athletes.

The experience was not just working first hand with the patient but learning from world leading research into rehabilitation for sporting injuries.

How are you finding life in the working world?

Are you enjoying it?

Life outside of university has been very busy despite the pandemic. There are many patients who are reverting to private practice, therefore the numbers are rising due to increased patient demand for rehabilitation and general improvement to their quality of life.

What is your biggest or proudest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement would be working with some of the best sports doctors, researchers and physiotherapists at Isokinetic.

It took my learning and understanding to a different and higher level, especially with first hand research being applied.

Do you think you have learnt anything since working in the profession? If so, what?

I think I've learnt a lot since leaving university and working alongside different healthcare professionals. It has made it easier to treat patients and get better results from patient care. This is even applicable to the running of my own private practice too.

What would be your top tip for current AECC students?

My top tip for AECC students is to go and observe, experience and apply for internships wherever you can. It's vital to your learning and career progression when you leave university.

What plans do you have for the future?

Plans for my future, is to complete my next degree, MSc in Physiotherapy, in the next two years. This will then hopefully be followed by an experience working abroad eventually.

AECC GRADUATES 2021

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Theveenah Balasubramaniam MChiro What have you been up to since leaving the AECC UC? Having recently graduated, I'm currently working at Sevenoaks Chiropractic Clinic, based in west Kent.

It can be a whirlwind graduating and starting a new job, so I've been trying to settle into a daily routine and find my feet in a new environment. I've also tried to keep busy outside of work by catching up with friends, joining a local gym, and doing courses in my spare time.

How are you finding life in the working world? Are you enjoying it?

I'm loving it! There are so many wonderful things about being a chiropractor. I love helping people reach their individual goals, even if it is as simple as planting petunias or as challenging as running their first marathon. The high point of the year for me was helping a 16year-old girl walk without a wheelchair or crutches again!

What's your biggest or proudest achievement to date?

Being awarded 'New Chiropractor of the Year by the BCA'.

I was lucky enough to be nominated by my boss, who is also my PRT mentor. It came as such a surprise when I saw my name on the list of nominees, as everyone in my clinic kept the nomination a secret. But it meant a lot to have the backing and support of the clinic team behind me, especially when starting at a new place and being so new to the Chiropractic profession. I'm still so grateful to everyone who voted for me, and even more shocked that I won the award! It's definitely made me want to work harder and better myself as a Chiropractor.

Do you think you have learnt anything since working in the profession? If so, what?

Although university sets you up with the skills needed when entering the profession, the step-up can still be a big one. There can be days where cases can be emotionally and mentally demanding; so I've definitely learned to listen to myself and make sure I set time aside to recuperate so I can be in the best condition for my patients.

What would be your top tip for current AECC students?

Make the most of the resources you have around you, do your own learning by observing lots of different practices, and fully enjoy the time at the AECC because it does fly by. Also, Quizlet was my best friend!

For clinic year students, I would recommend finding a place to work which will support you through your good and bad days - I've definitely realised how important this is early in your career, especially if you're moving away from home on your own! Always go with your gut instincts and trust your intuition when choosing a job, or diagnosing a patient.

What plans do you have for the future?

I would love to open my own clinic one day and potentially specialise in acupuncture.

But for now, I'd love to enhance my skills and experiences and keep learning to be the best chiropractor.

Freshers' Week

As we're halfway through this academic year, we would like to say that we hope all our new arrivals this year are settling in well to uni life and, as always, we are here should you need anything from us!

Graduation 2021 November saw us celebrating the graduation of our amazing alumni who left us this summer gone. It was a much-anticipated day for everyone involved!

The day started with the welcoming back of all our students who could make it, the donning of the robes, LOTS of pictures being taken before the ceremony itself.

Our graduates each crossed the stage at the Pavilion, nodding to our VC Lesley Haig and receiving their degrees. There were speeches given by the VC, Chair of Governors and our very own SU VP of Education, Claudia Wallis.

There was also an extra-special prize awarded to Matt Jackson for the 'Best All-Round Student (awarded by the AECC UC to the final year student who had contributed the most in nonacademic terms to the college, his/her year and their course).

DON'T STOP WHEN YOU'RE TIRED, STOP WHEN YOU'RE PROUD MARILYN MONROE

OUR COMMUNITY, Our Commitment

StopTopps are now at Togglers!

AS PART OF OUR PLEDGE WITH STUDENT SERVICES TO KEEP ALL OUR STUDENTS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE ON CAMPUS WITH REGARDS TO ANTI-SPIKING, WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE NOW HAVE BOTTLE STOPPERS AND STOPTOPPS COVERS AVAILABLE BEHIND THE BAR UPON REQUEST. Alongside this, we have carried out further bar staff training on what to do if there is ever a case on campus.

If you, a friend or someone you know thinks they have been spiked, contact a member of the bar staff or security immediately. you can also report to and get help from the asu or Dorset Police either by emailing suexec@aecc.ac.uk or calling 101.

OUR COMMUNITY, Our Commitment

JOINT PLEDGE FROM YOUR AECC STUDENTS’ UNION AND STUDENT SERVICES ON ANTI-SPIKING As part of our commitment to supporting and protecting the student body of AECC UC, we would like to introduce our AntiSpiking Campaign as part of ‘Our Community, Our Commitment’.

Produced in partnership between the AECC Students’ Union and Student Services, we will pledge to you the following: 1. Education and re-education to students on spiking, its effects, illegalities, and recognition of symptoms using social media and promotion.

2. A review of on-site procedures, including our reporting policy.

3. Additional bar staff training and clarification of what you can expect from the bar staff, the ASU and Student Services.

We, alongside our partners in BCP and Dorset Police, would like to reassure you that the risk of spiking in the area remains low and we would also like to comfort you with the fact we have never had a reported or confirmed case of spiking onsite in our student bar.

We recognise that this doesn’t mean our students are not at risk and it is NEVER the fault of the victim. Together, we want to protect your rights to keep you, your friends, and your community safe.

DON'T BECOME A BYSTANDER

say it aSU see it

REPORT SEXUAL, RACIAL OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE OF ANY KIND NOW! TIME TO MAKE A STAND & CHANGE THE STIGMA!

Did you know the ASU have their own Lovingly curated and put together by our wonderful wellbeing cha Whether you want something international, something calming, so be able to find the right music for you!

Playlists

Podcasts

Artists

The 'Acoustic Night ...

The 'Workout' Sound...

A soundtrack compilation of the talented current a...

A soundtrack to get you motivated and feeling...

Albums

Angels

Robbie Williams 1:09

But don't just take our word for it! Have a look for yourself! Simply you listen to find all of our specially-created playlists and listen to -- go on, you know you want to...

Spotify account? mpion, Triniti Dancy, there's a playlist here to suit every mood. mething uplifting or something to work out to in the gym, you'll

ASUspotify

The 'Worldwide' Sou...

The 'Study' Soundtra...

The 'Study' Soundtra...

A soundtrack to celebrate the diversity of cultures...

A soundtrack to keep you focussed during your...

A soundtrack to keep you focussed during your...

Simply search 'ASUspotify' to find the perfect playlist to suit your mood!

4:25

search 'ASUspotify' wherever Angels for the millionth time

Staying Safe Online Francesca Helmore ASU Press & Communications Officer

I'm sure most, if not all of us know what online abuse, cyberbullying and trolling is. Some of us may have even been unfortunate enough to experience it at some point in our lives.

However, with the world moving more and more onto online platforms and with social media usage on the rise, we as an ASU wanted to remind you all that online abuse has never been, nor ever will be, acceptable and tolerated at the AECC UC and would like to remind you of a few pointers to remember when browsing online in order to keep you safe.

1. Never, ever feed the trolls. Sadly this is likely to only make the situation worse as the individual responsible is usually only writing these things online to get a reaction.

2. If you come across a student harassing another student or a member of staff online, or posting offensive material, you should report this to the ASU and Student Services teams and/or a member of staff, such as your personal tutor, quickly and confidentially so that we can investigate and decide on the right course of action.

3. Don't forget you can also report harassment to the site itself who will then run a full investigation on your behalf. It's always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the reporting systems on the social media platforms you use, just in case!

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Francesca Helmore ASU Press & Communications Officer

It is worth noting as well, especially as AECC UC students, that because of the professions we are looking to go into, we have to be even more careful online than some other students may otherwise be.

For example: Always remember that whatever goes online, stays online. Even if you delete a picture after it has been posted, someone else may have already taken a screenshot, meaning a copy of said picture is out in the world without you having any control over it. The same goes for posting statuses or comments which may cause you or someone else embarrassment in the future. Always try to think about what you are posting and saying before doing so, and considering how it may affect you and others in the future; some employers even check the social media of potential new employees.

Similarly, make sure your privacy settings are set to just your friends or private, and perhaps consider going through your friend list and followers and having a healthy clear out so only those who really need to know about your life are able to. This will prevent future patients stumbling across your shenanigans online.

And finally, make sure your AECC password is different to any passwords you may use on online sites. This is because if you accounts is hacked, there can be a lot of personal, and sometimes confidential, information regarding you, your peers and your patients. Keep them safe as well as yourself and just be sensible online because sadly there are some unpleasant people out there.

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SUICIDE PREVENTION BU, AUB & AECC - Working together on a new Student Suicide Prevention Plan During November, Mollie (SU President) and

members of BU. All working together to

Rhianydd (Student Union and Engagement

support students.

Manager) attended a presentation at

We were really grateful as an SU to be

Bournemouth University on Suicide

involved and invited to the event and have

Prevention. Our very own Caroline Cooke in

already started to implement this new

Student Services had been working closely

prevention strategy, working alongside the

with the teams over at BU and AUB to create

institution to identify the needs to be met at

guidance on student suicide support,

the AECC UC.

procedure and prevention. During the evening, those attending heard from

Samaritans:

representatives from Samaritans, specialist

https://www.samaritans.org

researchers in suicide and executive

116 123 (Free Phone Call service)

"Some days are a little foggy and that's okay.

Tomorrow is a brand new day."

Emily Coxhead

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS Emergency:

Miscellaneous:

Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance or Coastguard 999 For emergency situations where life is at risk or in danger.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council: 01202 451451 You may phone this number if you need support with bin collection, road works, parking or other issues related to general living and council services.

NHS 111: 111 A service used for medical help or advice which is not life threatening.

The 111 service might direct you to the nearest walk in or medical centre or be able to treat you over the phone without the need for an ambulance or hospital visit.

Non-emergency Police: 101 This might be used to report a crime or concern which is not an immediate emergency.

You could also call the Dorset Police Station for non-emergencies like this on 01202 222222.

AECC UC: Main Reception: 01202 436200 Students' Union Office: 01202 436293 Clinic Reception: 01202 436222

Citizens Advice Bureau: 01202 290967 This number is useful if you are looking for advice to do with rental contracts or other rights and legalities.

Samaritans: 08457 909090 Samaritans offer a free call service for those struggling with any form of distress, whether this be a wellbeing need, financial advice or any form of crisis.

East Dorset Drugs and Alcohol Service: 01202 311600 For those suffering with addiction, this service is set up to support your needs and offers an opportunity to talk to a trained specialist offering advice and support.