What is SWOT?

SWOT (Students Working Overseas Trust) is a local charity, established in the 1980's, which is run by fourth year medical students at Queen's University Belfast. It aims to promote the improvement of hospitals and health centres in the Third World and other under-developed countries by:

• Delivering much needed medical supplies.

• Sending financial aid.

• Advancing education. 

How does SWOT raise money?
In a typical year SWOT raises in excess of £40 000. The money is raised in a variety of ways:

• The annual Fashion Show, supported by many local businesses.

• Blood Pressure Clinics held in major shopping centres throughout Northern Ireland. Donations are voluntary. 

• Street Collections held in various towns throughout Northern Ireland.

• Student Social Events, such as nights out, table quizzes, raffles, etc.

• Sponsorship from local companies. 

For more information on these visit the "fundraising" page on this site.

Where does SWOT money go?
All of the money raised by SWOT is used to provide medical equipment and financial support to various impoverished hospitals in the third world.  Typically, SWOT members will bring the donated money with them to these hospitals during their six week medical or dental electives. 

How can I join SWOT?
All 4th year medicine and dentistry students at Queens University, Belfast can join SWOT.  Further details on how students can join SWOT will be announced at the introductory lecture on Monday 29th August.

What is a bronze/silver/gold/platinum member?

This year points will be worked in the following way:

25 - Bronze
35 - Sliver
45 - Gold
60 - Platinum

The money SWOT raises will be devided on a proportional basis with each achievment level being weighted to reflect the work required to get there.

How can I earn SWOT points?
Members can earn points by helping out at organised events, such as blood pressure clinics, street collections, or bag packing events.  Typically points will be allocated for these as follows:

• 2 points for a half day.
• 5 points for a full day.
• +1 point for acting as a team leader.

Points can also be deducted for a number of reasons.  These include:

• Non-attendance at clinics etc. member was booked in for (1 point).
• Late arrival at clinics etc. (1 point).

Additional points can be acquired throughout the year for helping out at SWOT events such as the infamous Fashion Show.  Details will be made available nearer the time of the Fashion Show by the show coordinators.

Will SWOT still continue to offer money towards the cost of travel during the fifth year medical and dental electives?
In the past, SWOT HAS GIVEN UP TO 1/3 of its funds to fifth year medical students going away on their elective. This year the committee decided that all the funds raised would go directly to those in third world and developing countries. It is hoped that this move will be widely supported by all medical and dental students, past, present and future

How can I sponsor SWOT?
Sponsoring SWOT is very simple indeed.  All potential sponsors have to do is email us using the link below, and we will get in contact with you as quickly as we can.  Our current email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it