As a recently elected committee member of the RCN Midwifery Forum, attending the RCN Congress 2025 in Liverpool was a genuinely significant event. Representing the forum on a national event as a student midwife was an honour as well as an excellent opportunity for development, education, and networking.

I was surrounded by stimulating discussions, thought-provoking debates, and productive collaborations with professionals who share same enthusiasm as mine for enhancing care for women and families during the four days of the Congress. The chance to network with RCN Women's Health Forum members, who greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm, was one of the event's highlights for me. The connections between midwifery, women's health, and more general nursing issues, which are frequently overlooked but are essential to forming comprehensive, person-centred care, were made clearer to me by these discussions.

I was fortunate to be called at the podium in two occasions. To participate in two debates as part of the official Congress agenda that directly matched my interests and background: one on financial aid for nursing students and the other on leadership development for person-centred care. I was able to voice the frequently disregarded experiences of student midwives and present the viewpoint of maternity services in both sessions. Their contributions and difficulties merit more national recognition. Speaking up for my peers and fighting for the resources we require to succeed in our careers felt empowering.

Being asked to participate in a panel discussion on postnatal depression as part of the Hormone Havoc side event, which was organised by the RCN Women's Health Forum in collaboration with Cavell, was one of the highlights for me. I was able to consider the significance of incorporating mental health into all facets of maternity care by exchanging perspectives on such a delicate and crucial subject with knowledgeable panellists. 

I also enjoyed interacting with dual registrants, nurses pursuing midwifery training, and other individuals who were interested in joining the Forum during my time at the RCN Midwifery Forum stand in between sessions. These casual discussions served as an excellent means of promoting the Forum's activities and inspiring additional members to participate in determining the direction of midwifery within the RCN.

For believing in me and providing me with the chance to represent the Midwifery Forum on this platform, I am incredibly appreciative of the Forum Chair, Co-Chair, and our professional leads. I feel appreciated as a young professional because of their support and confidence, and I can't wait to keep helping the Forum with its work.

I encourage all maternity support workers, midwives, student midwives, and early career nurses to visit the RCN Midwifery Forum page on the RCN website. To access chances for both professional and personal growth, think about becoming a member of the Forum. Your input is important for the future of midwifery, and the Forum has a lot to offer.