The hybrid Student experience festival at the start of January brought together students from all over the UK and the world. In this article Jenny Hall, Midwifery Editor, reflects on the involvement of students as part of the day.
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Students stepping up
Last week we shared data from the polls from the student midwife festival. The festival drew students together from all over the UK countries face to face, as well as in local hubs, and some global attendance from students as well. The speakers included Jess Read, Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer, and Jacqui Williams and Verena Wallace, from the NMC, but mainly the festival was student-led. The event was ably managed by Nicole Rajan-Brown, a recently qualified midwife, with groups of students stepping up to answer questions during panel discussions. Kayty Richards from the University of Derby, and member of the Council of Deans 150 leaders student leadership programme, shares her experience of being part of the panels:
I absolutely loved being part of the festival and being able to share my experiences with my fellow student midwives, such a privilege! I believe events, in person, or online are vital to our development as students, and create a safe environment for open and honest discussion about the highs and lows that contribute to our journey, and reassurance that you are not alone in those. I also think these events are a fantastic opportunity for educators and policy makers to hear from student midwives directly, and for students to have important discussions with key stakeholders. The student voice needs to be tangible across all levels to ensure our education reflects and supports our practice experience, which ultimately shapes the future midwife and workforce we will join.
We believe it is so important to hear the voices of students and we thank Kayty, Ellie Webster, Kingston University and Sophie Rayner, University of Leicester, adeptly questioned by Nicole Rajan-Brown, for their active contributions.
If you would like to participate in the next student festival in November, or any of the others, we would be pleased to hear from you and would encourage students to speak up.
Contact us for more information here.
See other comments from students on the day:
Dr Jenny Hall
Midwifery Editor and Curator Matflix
January 2023