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Volunteers join RSPCA’s Big Help Out campaign
'Wildlife Friends' pledge their time on and before 8 May to complete small tasks to support, nurture and protect wildlife.
The initiative invites people to pledge their time to help local wildlife.

To mark the King’s Coronation, volunteers are dedicating time to support the wildlife in their local area as part of the RSPCA’s Big Help Out campaign.

So far, more than 500 people have signed up for the campaign which was launched on 20 March. By getting involved in the initiative, 'Wildlife Friends' pledge their time on and before 8 May to complete small tasks to support, nurture and protect the wildlife in their local or wider community.

Volunteers are encouraged to take part in activities such as organising a litter pick, putting food out for hedgehogs, building nest boxes for wild animals and rewilding gardens.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We are recruiting ‘Wildlife Friends’ to give people the chance to join thousands of others making a difference at the Big Help Out on May 8.

“We all share our neighbourhoods with wonderful wildlife and we need to protect them - so by becoming an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, animal lovers can join with their community to make a safe space for the animals who share our world.”

RSPCA head of volunteering Brian Reeves added: “We can all do our bit for animals and ‘Wildlife Friends’ is great for anyone who can spare a few minutes or a couple of hours. These things will all make a huge difference for wild animals, and their welfare - and we’re hoping even more amazing volunteers join us as part of the Big Help Out between now and May 8.”

Those interested in getting involved with The Big Help Out, can find more information on the RSPCA’s website.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.