Elections have been taking place to choose those who will lead the University of Cumbria Students’ Union (UCSU) into 2022.

All students of the university are eligible to vote and each year the UCSU polls its members so they can elect those who they want to work on the ideas, challenges and needs that they have.

This month over 900 current students at the university cast a vote.

With the results in and counted, the Executive Team has been re-elected and will continue to serve for the 2021/22 academic year.

West Cumbrian Lucy Haddath retains the role of Academic Officer, a position that is concerned with course matters; whilst Charlotte Wheele will continue as Activities Officer and lead the efforts of the student-led groups and societies across the university.

Welfare Officer Molly McConnell will continue to lead on projects and issues relating to looking after the emotional, mental, physical and sexual health needs of the students who have elected them.

One of the initiatives the trio has been leading on during the pandemic is the creation of ‘Keep Me Going’ boxes to help students, particularly those who may have to self-isolate due to coronavirus.

The boxes contain enough food and essential supplies such as sanitary items to keep students going for a few days.

Campus reps have also been elected to represent students at the university’s sites in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster and London.

In Carlisle, they are fine art student Amber McGhee based at Brampton Road and Eleanor Armstrong at Fusehill Street. Alex Littlechild and James Wells will be working closely with the union’s officers to highlight campus issues and needs at Ambleside during the 2021/22 academic year. Alex Barclay is the Lancaster UCSU campus representative.

A UCSU spokesperson said: “Working closely with the Student Services team at the university, we’ve been able to source, pack and deliver around 60 packs to students across Carlisle, Ambleside and Lancaster. About two-thirds have been delivered to off-campus students and we’re proud of our team members who have gone above and beyond to distribute these.”