Grwp Llandrillo-Menai Students’ Union

Grwp Llandrillo-Menai Students’ Union collect the Campaigns Award for their Transport Campaign

Campaigns Award

1. What did the campaign set out to achieve?

In March 2014 Conwy County Borough Council set out to consult on their current transport policy which in short was to provide free transport to under 19s to their nearest Further Education provider if they live outside of 3 mile radius. The college was informed that the consultation was a result of significant cuts and transport was viewed as an area of potential significant cost savings. The options were to remove free transport, charge for transport or provide transport to the nearest provider. Denbighshire County Borough Council mirror Conwy’s policy so there were serious concerns that any potential detrimental changes would impact on both counties. The SU Grwp Llandrllo Menai set out to ensure that free transport continued.

2. How was the campaign delivered and who was involved?

The SU Grwp Llandrllo Menai enlisted the support of students, parents, local politicians, College staff, Conwy Youth Council and the SUP Bangor University attempting to raise awareness of what appeared to be a very under advertised consultation for example CCBC had failed to seek advice from their own Youth Council and the college had not received formal notification of the consultaion. They used facebook, email and twitter to keep everyone informed, had an article in the local newspaper and produced a postcard which was distributed to all FE College learners.

3. What did the campaign achieve and what change has been made to students and the community as a result of the campaign?

The SU Grwp Llandrllo Menai was overwhelmed with the support they had received from the whole community. The questionnaires completed were mainly from Grwp Llandrillo Menai learners and their parents. At the consultation review meeting it was agreed that the LEA would continue to provide free transport. This means that 16-18 year old learners in both Conwy and Denbighshire are able to access education without the barrier of transport costs.

Nominated by Angharad Jones, Students’ Union Staff

What the judges said…

“I feel that the impact of this campaign is absolutely enormous, potentially translating in real terms to continued access to education for students who may otherwise no longer have attended. It was particularly impressive that students picked up on and publicised a consultation process that might otherwise have passed under the radar, that they collaborated with such a large variety of groups and partners, got local media involved and ensured the information was distributed to every affected student.” Laura Bates, Everyday Sexism

“The group set up the campaign alone, working to remove barriers to higher education for 16-18 year olds in the area, and theircampaign was successful. The campaign involved uniting and collaborating with the community, including politicians, students and parents, as well as communicating the issue with people in the county to effect change.” Abby Young-Powell, Guardian Education