Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs

Ciara Devine Queen's University Belfast

Ciara is a final year mental health nursing student, who not only is excelling in her course but she has turned her own near death experience after a cardiac arrest, into something positive, making it her mission to teach her fellow student nurses and midwives, as well as the community how to perform CPR. She is a wonderful advocate fr mental health and has led many student events to promote student mental health' Tea and talk' mornings, and a Maratha relay for the mental health charity AWARE NI, to name just a few.

Graham Gibson Queen's University Belfast

Graham’s journey as a student nurse is a busy and multifaceted story of inclusivity, engagement, inspiration, impact and leadership. Graham is a role model and advocate, who demonstrates an impressive commitment to the student community. He has had a demonstrable impact on instigating change within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen's University Belfast and for the wider student nursing community, which has been recognised both at internal and external levels. His impressive achievements are underpinned by a genuine passion to improve the student experience.

Isla Innes-LoveUniversity of the West of Scotland

Isla has championed student midwives throughout her time at university, including working with the Royal College of Midwives to recognise the individualised situations of student midwives and campaign for improved student finances on a local and national level. She has represented student midwives in Scottish Parliament on two occasions to discuss the pressing need for funding for Scottish maternity services and student midwives. She is an advocate for students in her university and others in Scotland and the wider UK and she aims to improve their experience through her work with the RCM and her universities midwifery society.

Daud MalidaUniversity of Leicester

Daud has made an exceptional impact on student affairs throughout his three years at the School of Healthcare. As Course Representative and School Representative, he has effectively advocated for students, creating initiatives like the ""Hello My Name"" badges and securing car parking for placement students. He has served as an RCN Student Ambassador, bridging the gap between the union and the university, and as a Nursing Ambassador, mentoring prospective students. Daud also founded Student-Led Placement Wellbeing Cafes, promoting student wellbeing and support. His leadership and dedication have greatly enriched the student experience.

Allyson OmoniyiUniversity of York

As a dedicated healthcare professional, I have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting the holistic development and well-being of students. My extensive experience in healthcare, mentorship, and leadership has greatly impacted my fellow students and service users. My grassroots project aims to ameliorate nursing student attrition leading to positive outcomes for student success and retention through my comprehensive understanding of student struggles and needs, my lived experiences and an innovative mentorship approach to addressing academic challenges and how to be resilient. I am adept at fostering a positive learning environment, promote diversity and inclusion, and advocate for students' needs.

Paige RiversEdge Hill University

From course representative to NHS England student representative and Faculty of health, social care and medicine president, one aim has always been clear - contribution to university affairs to ensure students' voices are heard, they feel empowered and are able to advocate for the best university experience, environment and learning and teaching quality. Making a difference is not only embedded into my future career but my current drive. If we can create a better environment for all, we create the healthcare workforce of the future that can create more positive change for those in their care.

Amy WalkerUniversity of Leicester

Amy has made an outstanding contribution to the nursing community through various leadership roles. As a Course Representative for two years, she effectively communicated student feedback. Amy co-founded the placement café, created a placement guide, and hosted Q&A sessions for peers. Amy led the development of the peer mentor handbook and ran study skills workshops. As a University Ambassador, she promoted the nursing course and supported first-year induction. Amy co-founded the Nursing Society and represented students on the RCN Students Committee. She also led social media campaigns, raising awareness on key health topics.