Student Midwife Forum
From debating and discussing issues affecting student midwives at local and national level to informing the work of the RCM and being a voice and a face for student midwives in both an academic and clinical setting, the Student Midwife Forum (SMF) plays a significant role in our work supporting and advocating for you.
The SMF also actively support the relationships and affiliations between your midwifery societies and RCM Branches. If you’d like to contact your SMF representative, you can find more about each of them, their role and contact details below.
Nana Yaa Karikari Asante, Kingston University
Hi, I’m Nana Yaa, Your student representative. Please feel free to get in touch about anything — whether it’s questions, concerns, or suggestions. I’m here to listen, support, and assist you wherever I can
email: nanakasante50@gmail.com
Taslima Faruque, King’s College London
Students are the next generation of midwives, and our voices deserve more than a seat at the table — they deserve influence. I joined the SMF to make sure our perspectives sit at the centre of change, shaping the future we’re stepping into.
email: Taslima.Faruque@kcl.ac.uk
Nana and Taslima support midwifery students in:
- University of London City
- University of East London
- University of Greenwich
- Kings College London
- London South Bank University
- Middlesex University
- Royal College of Midwives
- Kingston University London
- University of West London
Eunice Osei-Dapaah, University of Southampton
A big reason for my passion as a student midwjfe is the opportunity to make change, especially within the Afro-Caribbean and Asian communities. The disparities that exist
between Black and Brown women and their white counterparts in the context of labour delivery is a challenge that I accept, and change starts with talking about it. Another aspect of antenatal care that interests me is mental health. During a period of research for a report I submitted, I noticed there was a lack of standardisation in the mental health care received by women in the UK. Since this is a very delicate period of change in a person’s life, I believe that the complete integration of rigorous mental health monitoring during the antenatal period would greatly benefit the majority of women, and I am grateful to be in a position where I can contribute to meaningful change.
email: oseidapaaheunice@gmail.com
Maureen Labi, Anglia Ruskin University
I am a mum of four with a passion for supporting and empowering student midwives as they strive to complete an incredibly difficult but rewarding degree.
The academic stretch of being a mature student and having an invisible physical disability have made me more aware of the different unseen obstacles we as students can face in our daily lives, so having this opportunity to speak up for us all is a privilege.
I hope that in my tenure on the SMF, I can make a difference to both students and the women and birthing people we encounter, so that we are aware of our value now, not just after we qualify.
email: MNL106@student.aru.ac.uk
Eunice and Maureen support midwifery students in:
- Bournemouth
- Southampton
- Anglia Ruskin
- Bedfordshire
- East Anglia
- Canterbury Christ Church
- Winchester
- Plymouth
- Brighton
- Surrey
- Oxford Brookes
- West of England (Bristol)
- Buckinghamshire New
- Worcester
- Suffolk
Emma Lavill , University of Derby
I’m currently a student midwife enrolled on the BSc programme at the University of Derby and am a Registered Veterinary Nurse by background. I applied for a seat on the Student Midwife Forum because I’m incredibly passionate about championing and advocating for our future workforce – student midwives. Working with the RCM, I hope to be a voice for other students whilst raising awareness of the variety of challenges we face.
Suhaila Yaqubi, University of Leicester
I am Suhaila first year student midwife, I wanted to join the Student Midwifery Forum to advocate for student midwives because we are not just learners—we are the future of maternity. By working together, we can shape a better tomorrow. We deserve an environment that empowers us to grow, bloom, and thrive, while also appreciating and building on the good already in place.
email: sy247@student.le.ac.uk.
Emma and Suhaila support midwifery students in:
- University of Birmingham
- Coventry University
- De Montfort University
- University of Derby
- University of Lincoln
- University of Northampton
- University of Nottingham
- University of Wolverhampton
Samantha Edwards, Bolton University
Empowering women whilst fostering inner strength, and enhancing the learning journey for midwifery students in the North West. These are my passions as a Student Midwife at the University of Bolton and Council Member for NHS England. Thoroughly enjoying my professional placement at ROH part of NCA trust.
email: se19hcs@bolton.ac.uk
Khadijah Tanya Madden-Lawal, Sheffield Hallam University
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “We do the best we can with the information we have, and when we know better, we do better.” This powerful mantra is at the heart of everything I do. It is a true privilege to represent the students of the North of England at the RCM, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that our voices are heard and our potential is fully realized. Together, we can create a future where excellence is not just a goal but a constant pursuit. I am excited to be part of a journey where we continuously learn, grow, and strive to be the very best versions of ourselves.
Chantelle Wilson, Liverpool John Moores University
I’m Chantelle, a student midwife at Liverpool John Moore’s University. I feel privileged to be training as a midwife, while also recognising how challenging the journey can be. I joined the SMF to support fellow students throughout their training and help ensure their voices are heard. Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like support or have something you’d like to discuss.
email: c.vost@2025.ljmu.ac.uk
Samantha, Khadijah and Chantelle support midwifery students in:
- Northumbria University
- Teesside University
- Edge Hill University
- University of Lancashire
- University of Chester
- University of Cumbria
- University of Manchester
- Liverpool John Moores University
- University of Salford
- University of Bradford
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Leeds
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of York
Charlene Spence, Queen’s University Belfast
Hi everyone! I’m really excited to join the SMF. I’m passionate about supporting the pre-recruitment of students into midwifery—especially reaching those from widening backgrounds, diverse communities, and mature learners or anyone who may not have always felt represented or encouraged to pursue this path. I’m also a strong advocate for student wellbeing and believe that supporting each other is key to thriving during training and beyond. I’m looking forward to learning, sharing ideas, and being part of a positive change.
email: cspence23@qub.ac.uk
Medbh Hillyard Nicholl, Queen’s University Belfast
I am a midwifery student at Queen’s University Belfast. I have a keen interest in maternity research and the effective implementation of research into practice. I am looking forward to being involved in the Student Midwife Conference and Student Newsletter and supporting other students wanting to get involved in research.
I also recognise how the midwifery degree can be challenging, and I am keen to advocate for student midwives on the SMF, particularly those from Northern Ireland. If you would like any issues raised, please get in touch.
email: mhillyard01@qub.ac.uk
Lauren and Medbh support midwifery students in:
- Queens University, Belfast
- University of Ulster
Kurt Lee, University of the West of Scotland – SMF Vice Chair
I am an MSc Midwifery student at the University of the West of Scotland with a passion for championing diversity, equity and cultural curiosity within the profession. Through the Student Midwife Forum, I aim to work in collaboration with the Royal College of Midwives to advocate for fair and equitable support for university students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I am also keen to empower students to speak out, challenge the status quo and help drive change for the better. Please reach out, I would love to hear from you!
Dawn Smith, University of the West of Scotland
I am a Part 2 BSc Student at the University of the West of Scotland. I joined the SMF as I am passionate about the voices of student midwives, and looking forward to working alongside other who share those values.
I am proud to be an advocate for the Student Midwives of Scotland and to be part of making important changes for students nationally.
Reach out to me if you want to chat about what I can do for you within the Student Midwife Forum.
Kurt and Dawn support midwifery students in:
- University of West Scotland
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Robert Gordon University
Sophie Dodd, Swansea University
Hello my name is Sophie, I am currently a 2nd year Midwifery student at Swansea University.. I feel privileged to accept a seat on the RCM Student Midwife Forum. I am eager to play a role in bridging the gap for student Midwives in Wales. I have a passion to provide compassionate and equitable care to others. I look forward to supporting fellow Midwifery students on this exciting journey ahead.
email: 2229328@swansea.ac.uk
Kimmy Williams, Swansea University
I am a proud mum of two and currently a 2nd year midwifery student at Swansea University.
I feel extremely passionate to be an advocate for both women and fellow student midwives in Wales, I am eager to be a voice for student midwives, ensuring equity to accessible experiences.
I am excited to partake on this wonderful adventure of SMF with the RCM.
email: 2220073@swansea.ac.uk
Sophie and Kimmy support midwifery students in:
- University of Cardiff
- University of South Wales
- Bangor University
- Swansea University
In this video we introduce some past SMF members as they share some recent wins for students and what the next steps are for improving the student experience.