Name: Austen Brunton
Running for: Co-President for Sport & Wellbeing
Course: BA Music (graduated)
Previous student roles: Co-President for Sport & Wellbeing 2025/26, Men's Hockey President 2024/25, Men's Hockey Vice President 2023/24, Men's Hockey Wellbeing Officer 2022/23.
Manifesto
My name is Austen. I am in my final year of studying Popular Music at Napier. Throughout my time there, I have been an active member of ENUMHC (the Men’s Hockey Club), serving as Health and Wellbeing Officer, Vice President, and now President. I am proud to have been part of the committee that led our team to back-to-back league promotions and a cup victory.
Sports and well-being have shaped me as a person, and I believe they should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, background, or financial situation. If elected, I will work to break down barriers to participation and make sports and well-being more inclusive, affordable, and engaging for all students.
One of my key priorities is to make sports more affordable. I will tackle the cost barriers that prevent students from participating, especially during the current cost-of-living crisis. I will push for easier access to sports to ensure that no one is excluded due to financial difficulties.
I also want to improve inclusivity and diversity in sports at Napier. I will promote and support inclusive teams, such as mixed-gender and adaptive sports, and work with clubs to offer more beginner-friendly sessions (entry-level taster sessions) so that new players feel welcome.
Well-being is another major focus, and I will increase mental health awareness by organising workshops, stress-relief activities, and open discussions. I will also advocate for more accessible mental health support, including drop-in sessions.
Finally, I aim to strengthen the sports community by improving communication between ENSA and sports clubs. I will actively attend and promote sports events to build a stronger sports culture and crowd support
+If elected, what would you do to address the issues faced by students around wellbeing?
If re-elected, I will continue putting student wellbeing at the centre of ENSA’s work.
One key issue students face is feeling unable to speak openly. I am currently working to have the ENSA Advice Offices properly soundproofed to ensure students have complete privacy and confidentiality when discussing sensitive issues. Everyone deserves to feel safe when asking for support, and I will keep pushing until this is delivered.
Building on initiatives like Feel Fab Feb, I will continue promoting proactive, visible wellbeing campaigns that are positive, accessible, and community-driven. Wellbeing should be embedded across sport and student life year-round, not just addressed in moments of crisis.
Through Let’s Talk About Consent, I have started important conversations around culture, respect, and accountability in sports clubs. If re-elected, I will expand this work to help create safer, more inclusive environments. Alongside this, following the success of Movember, I will continue championing mental health initiatives that bring students together and reduce stigma.
Wellbeing is not a side project, it is a priority.:
+If elected, how would you work with student sports clubs?
I believe clubs thrive when they feel heard, supported, and genuinely valued. That is the environment I want to keep building. For me, it starts with clear, regular communication and being visible, approachable, and easy to reach. Whether it is email, Teams, or WhatsApp, I want committees to know I am always just a message away for advice, support, or advocacy.
My role is not to dictate. It is to listen. I want to understand what matters to each club, represent them accurately, and help turn their ideas into action. Every club is different, and taking the time to get to know each committee properly makes a real difference.
I also want to create more spaces for club leaders to share challenges and solutions with one another. When committees connect, it builds collaboration instead of competition and strengthens our shared sense of success.
Transparency matters to me. Whether it is funding, facilities, or university decisions, I will make sure clubs understand what is happening, why it is happening, and how they can influence it.
I will continue sending weekly updates so committees stay informed about what is going on and what I am working on. Keeping communication open helps everyone feel involved.
Most importantly, I want to be proactive. I want to spot issues early, support smooth handovers, and help student leaders feel confident in their roles.
Above all, my door will always be open. Whether it is a challenge, an idea, or just a chat, I want students to feel comfortable coming to me at any time.
< List of Election Candidates