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.
Shabelle Coffi Smith, Kings College London
I am determined to advocate for and represent student midwives from black and global majority communities to connect, learn, collectively bargain, and empower all who use maternity services.
I’m excited to be a member of the SMF as this will allow me to use my voice to advocate for all students regardless of their background to promote inclusivity within the forum and beyond.
email: shabelleb@outlook.com
Ashanti Shaw, University of East London
To be an advocate for women, we first need to be an advocate for each other.’ I want to help increase inclusivity, equality and diversity and make your voices be heard.
email: u2242272@uel.ac.uk
Gwenyth Lawless, University West of England
I am on the SMF because I believe in the importance of promoting woman-centred care as well as continuity of care in practice to ensure woman have a better experience throughout their pregnancy.
email: gwenythlawless107@gmail.com
Saffron Lewis, University of Southampton
I’m a mother to two and a student midwife at the University of Southampton! I feel passionately about the challenges currently facing student midwives, such as our education facing unprecedented challenges and the increasing negative media – not only surrounding Maternity Services but as our entire NHS, the impact this has on our futures and making sure our voices are heard. Having a seat on the Student Midwife Forum, to me isn’t just about what we need to do, but also what we can do, what we have done, and celebrating both the little and the big wins along the way.
email: Sll1n23@soton.ac.uk
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.
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.
Lauren Harkin, Queen’s University Belfast
I qualified as a registered nurse in 2020 but my goal was always to become a midwife. I’m currently enrolled in the midwifery masters programme at Queens University. I’m excited to work closely with members of the RCM and raise awareness of issues students are facing. I applied to the SMF because I’m passionate about being part of something that can bring about positive change for students across the UK.
email: lharkin2010@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
Kurt Lee, University of the West of Scotland
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.
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
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.
