Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies has publicly commended Hope Shakespeare, a student from Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, for her dedicated campaign aimed at addressing student loneliness. Hope has launched the RISE initiative, an acronym for Reclaim, Inspire, Shine, and Educate, which seeks to provide vital support to students grappling with isolation.
Addressing a Widespread Issue
Statistics reveal that one in four students experiences loneliness, a challenge Hope personally encountered during her studies at the University of South Wales. Motivated by her own experiences, she has developed a comprehensive two-year plan to transform the RISE campaign into a fully-fledged charity. This charity will offer structured support to help mitigate the loneliness epidemic affecting students across the region.
Platform for Change
In addition to her advocacy work, Hope is a finalist in the Miss Wales pageant, where she intends to leverage her platform to champion the cause of student mental health and social connection. Mr. Davies highlighted her enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication, pledging his full support to her efforts.
Words of Encouragement
Mr. Davies stated: “Hope’s passion for helping others is truly inspirational, and her RISE campaign to tackle student loneliness is a fantastic initiative. It is really pleasing to see her putting so much effort and enthusiasm into it—she is doing Llantwit Major and the Vale of Glamorgan proud. I wish Hope the best of luck with both RISE and her bid to become Miss Wales, as well as all her work to champion the cause.”
This endorsement from a prominent political figure underscores the importance of community-led initiatives in tackling mental health issues among young people, particularly in educational settings.
