The Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union’s Disabled Student’s Committee held an array of exciting activities and events from 20-26 March with the aim of improving the quality of lives of all Hallam students despite their disability.

The week began with a Pub Quiz at Bar Phoenix hosted by a member of the committee. The participants had opportunity to win lots of great prizes including pitchers and drinks that were redeemable at the bar. The students particularly loved the disability week themed blue and purple mocktails and cocktails that were especially designed for the night!

On Wednesday the committee held an enjoyable Craft-a-noon at the Coffee union, where disabled students and their friends could come along for a fun, crafty afternoon. The Knit Like Your Nana society were there encouraging students to get creative and offering them knitting lessons. There were also a variety of fun events across the week such as an all-inclusive Coffee Circle, Games Night and a Disability-friendly Beginners’ Salsa Dancing session. All the sessions offered students the platform to talk about their disabilities and their experience in a relaxed, safe setting.

The highlight of the week was definitely the Puppy and Guide Dog Day, where over ten adorably, huggable dogs and pups visited the HUBS for an afternoon of petting, cuddling and pure happiness. I loved getting to hold this wonderfully amazing dog who is one of the rarest dogs in the world!

The dogs were brought in from the Guide Dogs charity and South Yorkshire Police for an uplifting afternoon of pet therapy. Mara Nicola, a final year Marketing student at Hallam voiced that the event cheered her up and made her day. She said that it helped her realise how spontaneous social interactions can help with motivational levels, happiness and general good mood. The lovely students of Hallam also helped raise £403.04 pounds for Guide Dogs Sheffield!

The week was a great success! Betsy Byrne, the president of the committee expressed that the week was a great opportunity to raise awareness about the support that is available for students and ensure that all disabled students have a voice. She also voiced that the week helped them educate everyone at Hallam about various disabilities and halt any accidental prejudice that may be caused due to lack of understanding.

The committee also revealed that they plan on doing a range of activities in the future including a Stress and Sports week with a focus on mental health, a Baking Event and even another Puppy Day in May (I heard that the event might event might have twice as many puppies!).

Interested in getting involved? Contact the committee on Facebook or take a look at the society on the Sheffeild Hallam Students’ Union website.