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RCVS launches mental health and wellbeing platform
The app promises an extensive array of modules on different aspects of mental wellbeing.

MMI Kite App has been created specifically for the veterinary community.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced the launch of its new mental health and wellbeing platform.

Designed for anyone working in the veterinary sector, the free MMI Kite App promises an extensive array of bitesize learning modules on different aspects of mental wellbeing. 

Among the modules include ‘Calm mind’, where users learn to be mindful, manage anxiety and remain in the present, and ‘Hear me’, a module about how to listen to others effectively during stressful times. 

Each module incorporates interactive elements such as videos, journaling and reflection exercises to make learning as engaging as possible. 

Commenting on the launch of the App, Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager, said: “We’re so pleased to announce the launch of MMI Kite App, and we can’t wait for people from the veterinary community to download and start using it.

“We know from our research that sadly vets and vet nurses are more likely than the general public to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. One of the ways we’re addressing these mental health concerns is through providing a range of wellbeing support resources for the veterinary community, and the MMI Kite App is a resource that we’re really proud to be offering to the profession for free.”

MMI's Kite App has been developed in partnership with The Kite Program, an organisation that specialises in microlearning solutions.

Other modules featured in the App include ‘Taking care’, where users learn techniques for combatting compassion fatigue, and ‘Wellbeing leader’, with suggestions on how to lead the way with wellbeing in the workplace.
Compassion fatigue and determining your values are also featured, with more modules expected to be added in the future. 

Ms Quigley continued: “We’ve designed MMI Kite App to be as accessible and engaging as possible, with content that learners will find valuable. We also used feedback from the app testing stages to make sure we developed programmes that the professions told us they felt the app needed to have. We’re confident that anyone who uses the app will find something that will help them with an area of wellbeing that they need support with.”

To register for the app, visit vetmindmatters.org/mmi-app or search for the ‘MMI Kite App’ on your device.

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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.