For my third campaign, I am looking at setting up a "quiet" space within the SU venues. So far, in order to get this in place I have:

1. Spoken to the venues manager

Before any further planning went into the campaign, I spoke with the venues manager to confirm whether this idea would be feasable. They agreed it is a good idea, and we were able to discuss potential spaces for it, what my ideas are regarding its usage, and any potential issues that may arise. The main discussion was around space, as although the extension would be the logical place, it is often used for FLOCK nights as well as bigger events, so it may not always be available to use. 

We agreed to have a trial run during Welcome Week, however unfortunately this was unable to happen. I had been unable to source any of the furniture needed in the short space of time I had, and I was hesitent to run it during Welcome Week, just to then go weeks without it again due to the location not being finanlised.

Location is something I am still working on, and will likely have the space up and running for FLOCK nights, even if currently it cannot be running for balls and bigger events.

2. Sourced potential space

Due to the no re-entry policy, I have had to look for a space to use within the venue for this to work. The ideal place for this would be a section of the extension - the extension can be separated with the moveable partitions meaning that the extension bar itself can still be used, and the quiet space can be physically separate from the rest of the venue/event.

An issue with this, is that during larger events (Especially balls) the space suggest will need to be used therefore the quiet space would need to be moved somewhere else. Due to the nature of the space, I would much prefer it to have a permanent spot so that students are always aware of where it is and where they can go to if they need. 

3. Sourced furniture 

Although this was not done in time for the initial planned launch date of Welcome Week, I do now have some furniture ready to use for the space. Discussions are also in place with estates so that a water fountain can be placed in the venue, allowing students who need to use the space easy access to water. 

Next Steps

Confirm the location -  as mentioned, this is something that I am still working alongside the venues manager to do. I still believe that the best area to create this space is within the extension, however this needs to be finalised with the venue manager.

Once location has been confirmed, I aim to speak to security regarding it. Firstly to make sure that they're aware of the space, but also to discuss with them it's intended usage. It is purely a space for students who feel like they need to take a break, to do just that. Security should still follow the usually processes and policies with students who are too drunk or misbehaving etc. 

Finally, signage will need to be created for the space so that students are aware of what it is and again, what it's intended usage is. This also covers creating any advertisment for the space and getting it out on social media! The current time frame is to have the space in place and running for the November reading week.