Door Het Geluid has been recognized by SVL for their commitment to the mental health of students. (Photos/Video: Chris D Ward)
During the new academic year ceremony for Studenten voor Leiden (SVL), the student group “Door Het Geluid” received the award for the best student initiative in Leiden for 2023 from SVL party chairman Mitchell Wiegand-Bruce. Last week, the Student Party called on all Leiden residents to come up with initiatives that could be highlighted by this award.
“The Stichting Door Het Geluid Foundation has been fully committed to the mental well-being of students since 2022,” says Sophie Chavernack, SVL Chair. “They give workshops where they talk to students about mental health based on known examples. The Door Het Geluid students absolutely deserve this award.
Door Het Geluid’s Tess Franken was pleasantly surprised Wednesday night when she received the award at the NJORD Student Rowing Club building where SVL held the meeting. “We really take it as an acknowledgment that we’re working on something very beautiful.”
Psychological health
Door Het Geluid wants to raise awareness about mental health, breaking taboos, and provide students with the skills to recognize and acknowledge the signals from themselves and others. The foundation started as an idea of eight students from Leiden and quickly developed into a foundation with activities in six cities and several affiliated student ambassadors who develop and deliver courses and workshops themselves.
SVL party leader Mitchell Wiegand-Bruce says having a New Year’s Eve drink in September is a good time for students. New boards can then meet with board members.
Party chairman Wiegand Bros says that the mental health of young people and students is one of the main pillars of the SVL party. “An important topic, which we deal with both inside and outside the Leiden council chamber. Thanks to our efforts, in 2024 and 2025, for example, 120 thousand euros will be provided annually to improve the mental health of children.
youth and students.”
mayor
The new mayor of Leiden, Pieter van der Velden, also came to the meeting organized by SVL precisely at this time of year to present the new student councils to the councilors and the mayor. SVL entered Leiden Council for the first time with two seats in the municipal elections held in March last year. “And then we noticed that in January, all parties were having a New Year’s reception. We didn’t know it was a common occurrence at the time and we didn’t have one,” says councilor Mitchell Wiegand-Bruce, who also invited the new mayor. But for us, this is actually a much better time.
“I was very happy to be here,” says Peter van der Velden after his first public address in Leiden. “It’s a very good atmosphere here with a nice group of people.” Van der Velden was very pleased with the award that SVL awarded Door Het Geluid. “I think it’s great that students care about their fellow students’ sanity. Needless to say, not every student is 100% in a good mood, so it’s good to bring attention to that. Cheers!”
Acting Mayor Peter van der Velden got to know several of the new boards of student associations on Wednesday night during the SVL student drink party in Njord.
champagne
Van der Velden also paid tribute to Njord, where the meeting took place. “It’s so nice to see that they also care about people with poor eyesight.” Subsequently, he contributed faithfully to the tradition of rowers in Leiden. They look forward to university every year and winning an important rowing event is at the top of the wish list for students of the Student Rowing Club in Morswig. To maximize the chance of winning, speeches in Ngor are concluded by firing a cork of champagne onto the crown hanging above the centenary mark. “If you remove the crown with the cork, our profit is guaranteed,” van der Velden commanded. Part of the tradition is that it happens from the boardroom table and it turns out the new mayor was very willing to do it.
Leiden Society Politics
