Testimonials

Hear more about how you can be an ally, and why this can make a difference to someone, directly from students...

“In this role, I have made it a key priority to create a safe and inclusive space for all members of the student population. Last month, I finally opened the LGBTQ+ Community Safe Space!! This is a social space where any students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community can enjoy with friends. It is important to be an ally as it allows you to learn and actively attempt to address your privilege whilst listening to the experience of others in marginalised communities.” Lucy, Welfare and Equality Sabbatical Officer 2023/24  

“I’ve had people act as allies to me by providing accessibility information without me having to request it. When locations on campus are inaccessible, I’ve been supported by my friends and partner, who make sure to make management aware of these issues and how they can affect students.” Leo, Disability Officer 2023/24

“I talked to my biopsych teacher about not using terms for sex and gender interchangeably. He wasn’t at all familiar with the concept and asked me to elaborate a bit. Once I had explained what I meant, he was immediately on board, changed all the class materials and thanked me for telling him about it. That particular teacher is so kind and open-minded, which is truly what allyship is about to me.” Izah

“To be an ally, staff and students can add their pronouns to email signatures.” Meg

“As a student with ADHD, a condition so often misunderstood, having people take the time to understand the things I can struggle with is so valuable. It’s not always about people knowing everything, it’s about people being willing to learn.” Jay

“After checking it was okay with me, my friend started using my correct pronouns when talking about me to other people without making a big deal about it. This let other people know how to refer to me without me having to correct them.” Anonymous

@newcastleuni Here’s what Ollie brings to uni to make life as an autistic student easier. For more info about our wellbeing support for neurodiverse students visit https://www.ncl.ac.uk/wellbeing/disability-support/ #newcastleuni #autism #neurodivergent ♬ original sound - Newcastle University