Your SMF members:
England
Contact details: Fiona.howard@students.plymouth.ac.uk
"I am honoured to be offered a seat within the Student Midwives Forum, which allow me to develop my own career, as well as providing a support network for my fellow students, in a bid to assist with the creation of the next generation of registered midwives. I truly believe that happy midwives can generate happy mothers and who wouldn't want to be a part of that?"
Contact details: j.l.williams2@bradford.ac.uk
"I am excited to be part of the SMF, to help organise the Student Conference at the RCM Conference. I didn’t think it was possible to be more motivated to develop my own voice, for women and for the profession of midwifery, and to help others find their voice. However, I left Manchester with even more zeal and commitment. I really hope to be granted the opportunity to join the forum."
Contact details: p2515850@my365.dmu.ac.uk
"Although we spent much of the year physically apart from our friends and families, student midwives, across the nation, came together to continue to provide care and support for birthing people and each other. As part of the SMF, I will proactively engage and listen to all RCM student members, to provide support and empowerment through these uncertain and unprecedented times. As the advocate and activist Helen Keller said: 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much'."
Contact details: ot2193y@greenwich.ac.uk
"I look forward to representing London, and bringing our issues to the forefront during these difficult times."
Northern Ireland
Contact details: esimpson07@qub.ac.uk
"Communication is essential for both a midwife and a forum representative and is one of my strongest skills. Listening, extrapolating and reframing are key to communication. By virtue of my inherent skillset and previous experience in communications, I am skilled in collating and interpreting information from many sources and in disseminating information in impactful and attention-grabbing ways."
Scotland
Contact details: 40404660@live.napier.ac.uk
"I believe that, while our lives at home might be very different, our experiences as student midwives bond us in ways that few others understand. I think our differences and unique experiences make us stronger, and that they should be shared, celebrated and empowering.
"I can't wait to get to know more student midwives across Scotland and the rest of the UK, listen to their stories and advocate for them, as they advocate for others."
Contact details: B00383359@studentmail.uws.ac.uk
"I am really pleased to have a seat on the SMF representing Scotland. I wanted to join as I am passionate about the representation of students in the wider midwifery community. I feel the best way to respect someone is to listen to them, and we feel most respected when we feel heard.
"I am here to represent you and amplify your voice, so please don't hesitate to get in touch."
Wales
Contact details: reneebull@hotmail.co.uk
"I am truly honoured to be elected into one of the seats for Wales. It is my passion to speak up and be involved in change for student midwives and the future of midwifery. While being on the Student Midwife Forum, I aim to ensure all students have equality and informed choice, as well as the women in our care.
"I am looking forward to working with all the other members of the forum to support and encourage the midwives of the future."
Contact details: johml@cardiff.ac.uk
"I believe my skills and knowledge will help me to support and be the voice of my fellow student midwives. I will rise to the challenge that this role brings and represent the students of Wales in addressing any issues that we face. We are the future of midwifery.
"Please do not hesitate to contact me with any issues that you feel the SMF may be able to address."
How does RCM Student Midwives Forum engage with Student members?
The SMF are there for you and to be a voice for all student midwives. The elected members speak for you at national level and keep the RCM accountable when it comes to advocating for you. The best way to engage with the SMF is to get in touch with your local representative and share your experience as a student midwife. This information will be escalated through the SMF and RCM and will influence our collective work to improve the experience of students and members throughout their studies and into practice.
You can also:
- View updates from the SMF in the Student newsletter which is emailed to all RCM student members every first Wednesday of the month.
- Follow @RCM_SMF
- As a student member you will receive newsletters and can access free events delivered by the RCM
Next meeting date for 2021:
- 21 September
The Student Midwife Forum Terms of Reference provide further detail on what will be required of you if you are successfully elected to the forum.
Further information
For further information about the RCM SMF, contact RCM Wales National Officer, Vicky Richards at: vicky.richards@rcm.org.uk or by calling 0300 303 0444.
