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New mental health courses for veterinary team members
The courses aim to help all members of the veterinary team better understand mental ill-health.
Courses will explore the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative has announced the launch of two new mental health awareness courses to help veterinary team members better understand mental ill-health and how to intervene if it is affecting colleagues.

Hosted by experienced mental health campaigner and trainer, Trevor Bell, the courses will take place virtually on Tuesday 15 December (10 am-1 pm) and Thursday, 12 December (2 pm-5 pm).

The courses will cover topics such as awareness around the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems; whether members of the team could spot the early warning signs of distress; and anxiety and depression amongst colleagues. They will also explore whether members of the team feel they would be able to talk to colleagues exhibiting these symptoms. 

Lisa Quigley, RCVS Mind Matters manager, explains: “We recognise that this year has brought additional stresses and strains to both our professional and personal life. As a result, it is extra important that members of the veterinary team look out for one another and are able to recognise when someone may be experiencing mental distress.

“Just like physical health, we all have mental health which affects how we think, feel, and act and that, in any given year, one in four of us will experience some kind of problem with our mental health, with research showing that these numbers are even higher for members of the veterinary team.”

For more information about the courses and to register your place visit, visit vetmindmatters.org Each course costs £15 per person, with additional dates set to be announced in 2021.

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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

Click here for more...
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.