Engaging in essential conversations: why I joined the Colmore Women’s Safety Forum  

Tell us a bit about you, your name and role in your organisation 

My name is Natalie James, and I am the Wellbeing Deputy Manager at Aston University Students’ Union. My role involves raising awareness about student wellbeing and safety. I’m passionate about this and always keen to collaborate with wider city partners.  

Why did you join the Colmore Women’s Safety Forum? 

I joined the Colmore Women’s Safety Forum to ensure I can represent our students well and help them enjoy their university experience while staying safe in the Birmingham community. It has been wonderful to meet like-minded, passionate, and proactive individuals who are committed to making positive changes in our city. 

What does being a Forum member involve? 

We attend quarterly meetings to share ideas and knowledge with our networks. For an hour of your time, you really do get so much back in return. It’s hard to quantify how much this is worth your time!  

What do you enjoy the most about being part of the Forum?  

As a forum member, I value having a voice at the table, supporting, and collaborating with others. What I enjoy most is being part of creative spaces and engaging in essential conversations, especially about women’s safety in Birmingham.