A new student-led peer support initiative was launched this week by Brasenose College and St Catherine’s College JCRs. The pilot scheme, Safe Celebrators, provides bystander support to students during post-exam festivities.
Student volunteers from a range of colleges will be on hand in Port Meadow from Week 7 to offer warm drinks, water, pastoral support, and signposting. Safe Celebrators told Cherwell that the volunteers were not there to offer first aid nor was it their job to police celebrations. They said their aim was to “help maintain a kind, welcoming atmosphere”, affirming: “we’re not here to judge or interrogate anyone”.
The programme is not affiliated with the University’s ‘Celebrate SMART’ campaign, which reminds students to stay safe and advises against participating in trashing to avoid incurring £150 littering fines from Proctors. Cherwell understands that prior to this week, a total of three fines have been handed out so far this term.
The scheme comes in the wake of a tragedy involving a Brasenose student last year.
The lead organiser, Taona Makungaya, told Cherwell that “Safe Celebrators was born from deep grief – the kind of grief that is really just love with nowhere to go. In the wake of Wesley Akum-Ojong’s tragic passing during post-exam celebrations last year, many of us felt a powerful urge to do something – anything – to honour his memory and to make sure no one else feels alone or unsafe in moments meant for joy.
“What began in sorrow has grown into something collective and hopeful. Safe Celebrators is a student-led initiative grounded in care, community, and kindness – offering warm drinks, moral support, and a calm presence during high-energy celebration weeks.
“This isn’t about limiting celebration – it’s about making sure it’s shared, supported, and safe for everyone. The response from students across colleges has been incredible. Wesley’s spirit – his generosity, his joy, his warmth – continues to guide us. This is one way we carry that forward.”
Brasenose JCR has taken a leading role in the plans. JCR President Rory McGlade told Cherwell: “The Royal Lifesaving Society, who spoke to Brasenose College, recommended student peer-to-peer initiatives as a crucial way to improve water safety in university settings.
“This isn’t medical support, lifeguarding, or telling students off – it’s about providing welfare support at a time that is emotional for many, ensuring that wellbeing during post-exam celebrations is prioritized.
“The supportive response that this pilot has got shows that this is something that means a lot to students, and is something that we hope to continue in future years as well.”
The organisers have worked with College staff to identify key days for undergraduates finishing, achieving 75% coverage of all exams finishing in Weeks 8 and 9. Volunteers will be present on Friday of both weeks, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons of Week 8, and Thursday morning of Week 9.
