When you’re near me, darling, can’t you hear me?

You’re on a night out at Y2K in the LCR. Vodka lemonade in hand, TLC’s No Scrubs is playing, and you’re headed to the toilet to top up your lip-liner. As your hand reaches the bottom of your bag, your heart drops: you’ve left it at home.  There’s no one to help you; not a single person with the exact shade that you need.  

And then you remember: She’s On Standby. 

“She’s your best friend that has everything you need on a night out and in-between classes” says Nadine Haddadin, a biomedicine student and founder of the pastel pink vending machine that sits elegantly in The Hive. 

With a big smile and wide eyes, Nadine is excited to share her creation and, more importantly, the hard work she has been putting in behind the scenes.  

One fateful period 

At the start of this academic year, she was working a shift as a healthcare assistant. One fateful day, her period – as they so often do – made a surprise appearance.  

Helpless and sanitary-towel-less, with nearby shops starting to close, an idea struck.   

Nadine describes how, on nights out, she was always reliant on the kindness of strangers. From women passing things to one another under bathroom stalls to sharing lip gloss in front of the mirror, she questionedif there was a way that someone – or something – could carry all the essentials  

“It’s not just about pads; it’s just about anything. 

“You name it, and SOS has it: gum, a hair tie, perfume and deodorant. 

“You’re guaranteed to find something of need” 

The pink machine and its purpose 

Dressed in a pale pink top that further accentuates her glossy black hair, Nadine admits that the shade, also adorned by the machine, is her favourite colour. It’s not the only personal touch – cherry blossoms for family nicknames and stars to represent family members are also hidden in her marketing. 

Nadine admits that SOS is an experiment to test something new – but that it’s not to say that you can’t rely on others, the shops or The SU for free products.  

It’s clear that it’s something students want, love and need, as Nadine humbly confesses that, within the first three hours of launching, she hit her month’s goal. Since that date, Nadine has regularly restocked the products that have been saving people in times of need.  

But what’s even more obvious is that Nadine cherishes connection. 

“Ultimately, has never been just about the products or revenue. 

“I met this really lovely girl, and she came up to me and said, ‘Oh my God, you’re the SOS girl!’ 

“It turns out that she has just been in an interview for a master’s course and was asked about something that inspires her – that just so happened to be SOS.” 

The history of SOS 

As a second-year student, Nadine grew up in the local area and worked part-time jobs, as many young people do.  

Her biggest hope from this project is that it inspires other people. 

“If they have some sort of crazy idea or something that they think could work – why don’t they try it,” she proudly proclaims. 

But Nadine is not unfamiliar with the online conversation that comes with new ventures. She describes how seeing “big opinions” online adds to the pride, cementing that she’s produced an experience great enough to be debated. 

That’s not to say it doesn’t take some grafting. After collecting her own data on nights out in The LCR and putting together a business proposal, Nadine took her idea to The Enterprise Centre to finally bring it to life.  

The centre, based on campus, offers opportunities for students to receive tiered grants or funding for business proposals. 

It’s clear that, for Nadine and young women following in her footsteps, it pays off to take risks. Some would say she’s ambitious – but it’s clear that she’s nothing short of genius.  

“I’m so grateful that it’s helping people, it’s a dream come true. 

“I do like to keep things private, but if  SOS truly helps people, why stop here.”  

You can find the SOS machine – and often Nadine – on campus at the entrance to The Hive. Free sanitary products are still offered by the Students’ Union – but free lipliners are not! 

Image Credit: Izzy Holyhead