The government announced in the 2015 spending review that it plans to abolish the NHS bursary system for new nursing, midwifery and allied health professional students in England from 2017.

NUS is campaigning against the changes that will pile huge levels of debt onto the shoulders of these healthcare students. We believe that making change on the scale proposed is taking an enormous gamble that could prevent many from training as healthcare professionals.

Following a roundtable of students’ unions with affected students on 8 March, we have produced a range of resources to help students’ unions campaign to save bursaries.

How can you get involved?

• Download this campaign pack that summarises how you can get involved in the campaign.
• Read this briefing on the proposed changes and their impact on students
• Read the report NUS commissioned into the impact of the changes and the response to the Council of Deans of Health
• Read NUS’ response to the government consultation into the changes
• Use this template letter to contact your MP and request a meeting about the issue
• Read this briefing on winning the arguments with your MP
• Write to your VC, Dean of Health, NHS Trust Chief Executive or other senior university staff using this template letter
• Read this guidance for students on staging a walk out
• Get in touch with your local Unison representative
• Download this poster / placard
• Use this guide to help you get press coverage for your campaigning.
• Read NUS' press release and initial analysis of the government consultation in to the changes.

You can also read more on this issue from NUS officers Shelly Asquith and Robbiie Young and student campaigner Danielle Tiplady.

If you have any questions or ideas for the campaign please get in touch! Email us at campaigns@nus.org.uk.