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RCM forms alliance with Cavell Nurses’ Trust to support midwives in times of hardship

on 15 November 2021 Midwifery Midwives RCM RCM Member RCM CEO Benevolent fund MSWs - Maternity Support Workers

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Benevolent Fund has officially formed a new alliance with the Cavell Nurses’ Trust to continue supporting midwives and maternity support workers during times of personal financial hardship. The occasion was marked by an event hosted by maternity services at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff.

RCM members from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board who were recently awarded the ‘Slimming World Caring for You During a Global Pandemic’ at the RCM’s annual awards were in attendance to present more on their achievements in supporting midwives and maternity staff during the pandemic.

The official transfer of the RCM’s Benevolent Fund to the Cavell Nurses’ Trust means the RCM can provide even better support to members experiencing hardship. The RCM will continue to fundraise for midwives and maternity support workers to ensure that members get the financial support they need when they need it most.

Commenting, RCM’s Chief Executive Gill Walton who attended the event said;

“RCM members have always offered each other support when things are tough, and our Benevolent Fund was first established as way for midwives to raise funds and make them available to colleagues facing financial hardship. Over the years the fund has been a crucial lifeline for many of our members suffering a personal or financial crisis often due to illness or disability. It’s provided midwives the means to get out of abusive relationships and helped them back on their feet and most recently has been supporting members who have who have been struggling because of the pandemic.

“Over the past few years, our collaboration with Cavell Nurses’ Trust has enabled us to respond faster, more effectively and to give more money to more midwives and MSWs when they need it. As we make the formal move of the RCM Benevolent Fund to Cavell, I want to reassure our members that all that’s changed is the name - our passion to help remains as strong as ever.”

Coming together with the Cavell Nurses’ Trust means the RCM says will strengthen and improve the support we can give to RCM members when they need it most.  Pooling resources, contacts and networks will eliminate duplicate running costs and we can maximise fundraising efforts through collaboration.

Commenting, John Orchard Chief Executive, Cavell Nurses’ Trust said;

“I’m delighted that the Royal College of Midwives has entrusted us with this precious resource. Our organisations work fantastically well together, and we will now be able to help many more midwives and maternity support workers, working or retired, who are suffering a personal or financial crisis.

“The RCM and Cavell have been working together for many years and we’re looking forward to working together more closely and more efficiently to help support and change the lives of midwives and maternity support workers.

“Whether it’s you, or a colleague, just a little extra help at the right time can transform life. So, I’d encourage midwives and MSWs who are stressed and struggling because of money worries to get in touch.”

Suzanne Hardacre, Head of Midwifery at Cardiff and Vale and University Health Board, said:

“It’s been a pleasure to welcome delegates to our Health Board as part of the launch of the RCM Benevolent Fund and Cavell Nurses Trust partnership. Our staff were delighted to share some of our successes and examples of best practice as part of the schedule. We look forward to continuing to work closely with both organisations that play an integral role in supporting midwives and maternity support workers in times of need.”

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

  • In 2021 the RCM celebrates 140 years since the Trained Midwives Society was established. To mark this milestone we are asking each RCM branch to raise £140 for the Cavell Nurses’ Trust which supports midwives and maternity support workers in times of financial need helping to get lives and careers back on track https://www.rcm.org.uk/140-years-supporting-you/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team

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