Newly-appointed organiser for the Midlands Jake Morris shares some insights into his new patch for RCM members joining us in Birmingham for our Conference. 

With a Brummie mum and as your newly-adopted Brum organiser, I’m delighted that the RCM conference is coming to Birmingham later this month. Alongside an amazing programme for everyone in and around the midwifery community, this city has so much to offer. 

If you’re coming by train, chances are you’ll be arriving into New Street, which is not only home to some lovely eateries (honest!) but also Ozzy the Bull. He was the star of the show at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in 2022 and is named after the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osborne. 

Birmingham is where heavy metal began, but if you like your music a little softer, we also have an amazing concert hall and our own symphony orchestra. And if you’re after a bit more hush, what about our award-winning library or our museum and art gallery? 

Maybe TV history is more your thing. Peaky Blinders definitely put Birmingham on the map for some, and you can do a leisurely 5K walk around some of the filming locations. If you see the ghost of Tommy Shelby, you might want to quicken your pace though! 

Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? You might not be able to get a gondola, but there’s still plenty to see. The ICC, where the conference is being held, is right by one of the canals, so taking a post-conference wander could be a great way to let all the busy thoughts just settle. There are plenty of pubs and cafes along the canals too, just in case the weather in Brum isn’t as warm as the welcome… 

The ICC is also just a stone’s throw away from Brindleyplace, where there are lots of restaurants and bars, including  All Bar One, Wagamama’s and Slug and Lettuce. And if you have a Blue Light discount card, there are lots of local options that offer up to 25% off! 

Of course, Birmingham is famous for its curry houses, so if you’ve got a hankering for something spicy, you should definitely head to the Birmingham Balti Triangle. There are also options close to the ICC, with Dishoom just across Centenary Square and the upmarket Asha’s, which has played host to the likes of Tom Cruise and other celebs when they’re in town, about 10 minutes away. 

Of course, its delights are the cultural heartbeat of this city but not what will be bringing us together. The conference itself is going to be the most spectacular yet. There’s so much to take in, so many voices and opinions to hear – and our own to share. Best of all, it’s a fantastic opportunity for all of us – midwives, MSWs, student midwives, MCAs and midwifery educators – to come together.  

I can’t wait to see Birmingham awash with pink RCM bags as we stage a midwifery community takeover. So if you haven’t already done it, book yourself a ticket, even if you can only come for one day.  

Come on, bab, come and see the best of Brum.