Celebrating identity, culture and belonging

Unmask addresses both the stigma students face and the everyday challenges they encounter at university. This campaign is built around a simple principle: every voice deserves to be heard, and every culture, religion and ethnicity deserves to be celebrated.

The campaign runs throughout the year, with month-by-month activities linked to awareness and heritage events across the calendar.

Aims

  • Provide support for underrepresented students throughout the year
  • Create safe spaces for students to share experiences and break down stigma
  • Celebrate every culture, religion and ethnicity
  • Support minority groups including LGBTQIA+, disabled students and those with mental health challenges

Objectives

  • Assure every student that they belong here, whoever they are
  • Break down cultural barriers and strengthen intercultural understanding
  • Increase SU visibility, particularly for international students
  • Make university life more memorable, inclusive and achievable
  • Create safe spaces and access to well-being support

Additional Work Under Unmask

Support for student parents

Creating dedicated spaces such as diaper-changing and breastfeeding areas on campus.

Halal food access

Working with caterers to increase halal options on campus.

Skill-building workshops

Providing UK-based CV, cover letter and interview preparation sessions.

Financial wellbeing

Collaborating with the Money Advice Team to address financial difficulties.

Campus safety

Installing new CCTV and lighting around Oxstalls to support evening classes.

City-wide safety

Working with Gloucester Police and the Local Council to ensure safer spaces for international students.

Student Engagement

  • Story sharing wall
  • Wish Tree
  • Anonymous post box
  • Networking with student societies
  • Culture swap programme