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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th May 2020
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Competition launched to enhance veterinary wellbeing
"Now is the perfect time to be thinking a little more innovatively about how we look after ourselves and each other" - Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters manager.
Practices urged to propose innovative ways to encourage a sense of togetherness.

A competition to encourage veterinary practices to be innovative in looking after team wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched by the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative.

The Innovation in Wellbeing challenge encourages practices to find new and innovative ideas for how the veterinary team can enhance mental health and wellbeing during the crisis.

Up to 10 prizes of £300 each are available to teams from across the UK to help other practices boost morale, support each other and encourage a sense of togetherness during this difficult time.

“The Innovation in Wellbeing competition recognises that, due to the lockdown and social distancing, many members of the profession will be unable to undertake some of those usual activities that help them improve their wellbeing – whether that’s socialising with friends, going to exercise classes or attending cultural events and venues” explained Mind Matters manager, Lisa Quigley.

“Added to that there’s also a great deal of anxiety around the health and welfare of family, friends and ourselves, so it is important that, even if they are physically distant, teams can continue to look after each other. However, now is the perfect time to be thinking a little more innovatively about how we look after ourselves and each other. “

The competition will be judged on ingenuity, how the idea impacts team wellbeing and morale, and cost-effectiveness. Winning ideas will be showcased on the Mind Matters website so that everyone can benefit from the suggestions.

Entries must be submitted to l.quigley@rcvs.org.uk by Friday, 29 May, and can be submitted in any way the practice feels works best, be that a written proposal, poster or video.

Proposals must include a description of how the practice would use the £300 prize money to help deliver a wellbeing project, and details of the practice/place of work. More information about the competition can be found on the Mind Matters website.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.