Natalie's Blog: Stronger Together at ASRA 2026

By Jordan Meates • 20 January 2026

ASRA was delighted to hear from Natalie Brown, Head of Campus and Residential Support at Falmouth Exeter Plus, who will be presenting at Conference 2026.

In this blog, Natalie reflects on what ASRA means to her, the value of collaboration across the sector, and how those connections have shaped her work developing a 24/7 approach to student wellbeing and safety.

Natalie Brown

Head of Campus and Residential Support

Natalie Brown

Head of Campus and Residential Support

Falmouth Exeter Plus

What ASRA Means to Me and Why Conference 2026 Really Matters

Although I’m relatively new to ASRA, having attended my first conference only last year, it quickly became clear that ASRA is much more than an annual event. It’s a community built on shared values, lived experience, and a genuine commitment to shaping the future of our sector.

What stood out to me most was the sense of connection. Even as a newcomer, I felt welcomed and included. ASRA creates a space where professionals at all stages can learn from one another, reflect, and collaborate - reminding us that our work is stronger when we do it together.

What I’m Looking Forward to at Conference 2026

Conference 2026 promises to be both inspiring and energising. I’m particularly looking forward to hearing from a wide range of voices across the sector and engaging in conversations that challenge and inform practice.

Beyond the sessions themselves, it’s the informal conversations that make the conference so valuable. The connections made between sessions and the ideas sparked over coffee. One session I’m especially looking forward to is Laurence Harvey’s. We first connected at last year’s conference, which later led to him delivering training to my teams in Cornwall - a great example of how ASRA relationships extend well beyond the event itself.

Why Conference 2026 Should Be a Priority

If there’s one reason to prioritise Conference 2026, its impact. The conference offers practical insights, meaningful professional development, and space to step back from day-to-day pressures to think strategically. It’s an investment in yourself, your organisation, and the wider sector.  A chance to stay connected, informed, and motivated.

Overview of our Session: Stronger Together: A 24/7 Model for Student Wellbeing and Safety

Is inspired by real challenges on our campus as we’ve worked to support an increasingly diverse student population with complex needs. Traditional, siloed approaches were no longer effective, so we re-imagined how services could work together in a more coordinated, visible, and human way.

Working closely with Michelle Lewis, Head of Wellbeing, we redesigned team structures to create a cohesive, modern 24/7 service. This journey has involved significant cultural change as well as structural change, particularly in how students perceive and access support.

Who Will Benefit

Students are the ultimate beneficiaries, gaining more consistent, accessible, and responsive support. The session will also be valuable for professionals working in accommodation, wellbeing and mental health, security and campus safety and student services leadership.

Anyone involved in service integration, culture change, or cross-team collaboration will take away practical insights into breaking down silos and improving the student experience.

Looking Forward to Liverpool

While I should probably highlight one of Liverpool’s many iconic cultural landmarks (and there are plenty to choose from), I’m honestly most excited about finally getting the chance to visit the Cavern Club - purely in the interests of cultural appreciation, of course!

Don’t miss Natalie’s session at ASRA Conference 2026, where she will share insights on building a collaborative 24/7 model for student wellbeing and safety. Book your place and join colleagues from across the sector to connect, learn, and share best practice.