For most of my college life and the start of my university years, my dad stopped talking to me. At first, it took me a while to comprehend what was happening. It was like a switch had been flicked in our family dynamic, and before I knew it, I had spent four years living in a house of silence. Initially I was really angry, but … Continue reading Invisible Illnesses V: Living With a Depressed Parent
words by: Elly Savva *TW // Domestic violence: This piece talks about details of abuse that may be triggering for survivors* Despite the recent verdict which ruled that Amber Heard had been subjected to violence by her ex-husband Johnny Depp, many on the internet have rushed to DeppÔÇÖs defence. Leaked phone calls suggest that their marriage was messy and Heard fought back. However, the fact … Continue reading Amber Heard – The ‘Untrustworthy’ Woman
By Georgina Hookway *T/W// Mentions of R*pe and Assault For decades, Europe has been leading the global trend of moving towards more permissive abortion laws, and in 2018, with Ireland, a traditionally very Catholic country, voting by a landslide to legalise abortion, it seemed that this trend was continuing. Despite this, there still remain countries in Europe with very restrictive access to abortion. For example, … Continue reading European Abortion Laws
By Laila Hodd As a mixed-race girl growing up in one of the least diverse areas of the UK ÔÇô Cornwall, where only 1.8 per cent of the population are from the BAME community – I have been aware of the realities of racism since primary school. This is where my brother and I were first exposed, and we have become used to ignorant comments … Continue reading The Mixed Experience: A Journey of Lifelong Microaggression
Words and Illustration by Shubhangi Dua As a curious consumer, I have always wondered the roots of beauty and skin regimen products. What attracts me towards the luxury of skin care? Is it the packaging, the scent, marketing or simply a friendÔÇÖs experience influencing me to exhaust my finances by trying new products? The skin care and beauty industry has transformed and been capitalised. For … Continue reading Essential Oils: History is Making a Comeback
By Abi Edwards It is hardly surprising that the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures have had a negative impact on mental health, particularly for young people. With restrictions on socializing, seeing family, friends and partners, and making new friends at university, the impact of lockdown has caused many feelings of isolation, particularly for students.┬á According to a survey by the charity┬áMind, over half of adults … Continue reading Stop the Spread but Stay in Touch
Words by Molly Govus / Interview by Rebecca Astill Illustration by Amelia Field Can you tell me the story about how you came to realise your diagnosis? Due to having an estranged and problematic past with my biological Dad, I have been in and out of counselling sessions for as long as I can remember. I remember being so young that counselling was just drawing … Continue reading Invisible Illnesses IV: Coming to Terms with My Complex PTSD and What Comes with It
By Laila Hodd White privilege has been at the forefront of conversations about race since the killing of George Floyd in May. While many members of the white community have awoken to the realities of the privileges granted to them by the colour of their skin, there remains a frighteningly large amount of people who either refuse to accept or continue to deny the existence … Continue reading Offended by Diversity’s Black Lives Matter dance? Your privilege is showing.
By Caitlin Parr The symbol of a rainbow is one of hope, belief and resilience – three things that the UK and our NHS really do need at the moment to get through the Coronavirus pandemic. As the UK went into lockdown, posters and flags in rainbow colours appeared in windows all across the country. Though a symbol cannot end the pandemic or provide the … Continue reading The NHS Rainbow – Respect for Our Key Workers or Appropriation of the Pride Flag?
By Megan Evans As students have begun to return to university, sticking to the social distancing rules has practically gone out of the window. Illegal raves have been occurring throughout the UK, some of the biggest ones being in London, Bristol, Manchester, South Wales and Yorkshire, just to name a few. These events have been a cause for the number of coronavirus cases to rise. … Continue reading Illegal Raves: Selfish Events or Illicit Utopias?
By Eva Rodericks In a closely guarded secret, interest on student loans is increasing from 5.4% to 5.6% from September 2020. Hidden information for most, given that it has barely been reported on, here is everything you need to know about the changes to your student loan. What is happening? This change will affect students on the Plan 2 Student Loan Scheme, these are students … Continue reading The Government Has Quietly Increased Our Student Loan Interest Rates – Here Is Everything You Need to Know
By Sam Tilley The Role of Gavin Williamson The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many areas of life since bursting onto the international scene at the turn of the year. Executives across the spheres of sport, theatre and travel have all been left with various headaches by the restrictions imposed on us by COVID-19; but perhaps no-one was left with a greater migraine than the Secretary … Continue reading Algorithm Aftermath: Shattered A-Levels, Inflated GCSEs & University Chaos
Words by Caitlin Parr Illustration by Amelia Field University can be an immensely challenging time for any student. Whether youÔÇÖre naturally very confident or were at the top of your class in school, University is sure to present challenges and anxieties that are totally new and have the potential to disrupt your time there. Unfortunately the majority of University students, 1 in 4, will struggle … Continue reading Invisible Illnesses III: Learning More About My Mental Health Than I Learnt From My BSc
An Interview with Berenice Mulvanny by Rebecca Astill *T/W // R*pe & Assault: This piece talks openly about details that may be triggering for survivors.* What inspired you to prosecute and defend sexual abuse cases? This question isnÔÇÖt a particularly easy one to answer. Many barristers, including myself, if theyÔÇÖre being completely honest would say that the reason is for the renumeration. The more serious … Continue reading An Interview with a Specialist Sexual Offences Barrister
Words by Indi Scott WhitehouseIllustration by Sian Hopkins The censorship of nipples and breasts on social media has been a large talking point in recent years. As social media becomes an increasing prevalent part of modern life, it is necessary to question the sexist and arguably archaic restrictions it imposes. What are the current rules and guidelines? Instagram and Facebook allow post-mastectomy and breastfeeding images … Continue reading Nipple Censorship on Social Media
Trigger Warning: This article contains reference to Bipolar Disorder. If you or someone you know is affected by the mental health issues or content discussed here, please call the Samaritan’s 24 hour hotline on 116 123. By Rhianna Hurren-Myers ÔÇ£We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United … Continue reading Kanye for President?
Words by Rhianna Hurren-Myers Illustration by Amelia Field / @amelialfield The Story It was around 1am on the busiest night IÔÇÖd ever seen at CardiffÔÇÖs StudentÔÇÖs Union. Somewhere between the bar and the main stage, I had failed to notice that I had lost the friends I had come out with. Instead, I was preoccupied clumsily tugging on the door of a disabled toilet. ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre … Continue reading Invisible Illnesses II: Living with an Unseen Disability
Words by Sasha Nugara Illustration by Amelia Field / @amelialfield Dementia is such a complex disorder and despite it not being labelled as a mental illness, the effects it has on mental health are undeniable. Whilst my dadÔÇÖs disease has forced him into a never-ending bout of depression, it has dropped my entire family into a whirlpool of sleepless nights and constant worry. Although many people … Continue reading Invisible Illnesses I: Living in the Shadow of Dementia
Whether you’re single or in a long-term relationship, lockdown has undoubtedly affected everyone’s love life. We asked students in a variety of romantic situations how they had been coping with dating and maintaining relationships in lockdown. Newly Single Life in Lockdown By Molly Govus I can safely say that getting to know people in the eye of a global pandemic is something I have never … Continue reading Socially Distanced Swiping: Dating and Love in Lockdown
*T/W // R*pe & Assault: This piece talks openly about details that may be triggering for survivors.* By Rebecca Astill Cindy Gladue was 37 when a man ripped an 11 centimetre tear in her vagina and left her to bleed to death in a bathtub. He was found not guilty. Natalie Connolly was 26 when her partner beat her, breaking her left eye socket, until … Continue reading Rough Sex Doesn’t Kill, Abuse Does: What the New Changes Will Mean
