Heather Gibson

As Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal College of Midwives, I was honoured to see the RCM move a powerful motion at the TUC Black Workers Conference addressing racial discrimination in maternity services. The conference coincided with Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, 20th April to 26 April 2026, a timely and important reminder that race inequality in maternity care is not abstract. It is lived, experienced and, too often, deadly.

Last week, the RCM hosted its first Digital Symposium, bringing together midwives, leaders, innovators, and digital specialist from across the four nations working in maternity services and digital leadership. The symposium explored how digital innovation is shaping the future of Maternity care and the wider global health. The day created space to reflect on implementation, progress, challenges and opportunities, and to consider how we move forward together.

Western University students are promoting wellness across campus through a new peer-based pilot program that delivers microdoses of self-care and social connection. Launched by Western Student Experience at the start of the 2025-26 academic year and supported by the Parr Centre for Thriving, the engages students as peer leaders to host class presentations, booths at campus events and creative workshops.