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Mind Matters Campfire Chats return for fifth series
The sessions are open for any member of the veterinary profession.
The initiative invites vet professionals to discuss mental health issues.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced the return of their Campfire Chats for its fifth series.

The online sessions relaunch on 13 December with a webinar discussing ‘Self-care through Winter’, which will see a panel including Vetlife president James Russell discussing mental health during the winter months.

MMI first launched their Mind Matters Campfire Chats in 2021. The chats invite veterinary professionals to attend virtual, informal panel discussions which explore topics relating to veterinary mental health and wellbeing.

The sessions are open for any member of the veterinary profession, including surgeons, nurses, students, practice managers and receptionists.

This year’s Campfire Chats will also be recorded, so that those who are unable to attend the sessions live will be able to listen to them afterwards on the MMI website. The following Q and A section will not be recorded, to provide a safe space for those who wish to voice their thoughts on the topic.

The MMI hopes that the series will enable those working in the veterinary industry to pause, reflect and learn from each other.

Angharad Belcher, advancement of the professions and Mind Matters director, said: “We are really looking forward to bringing back our Campfire Chats, which offer a safe space for the veterinary community to come together for informal discussions on some of the issues impacting mental health and wellbeing.

“We have a brilliant panel lined up for the first session of the series and are keen to get as many people involved in the discussion as possible – however, if you simply want to grab a cup of tea and listen in to the discussion, you are absolutely welcome to do so.”

The sessions are designed to provide an informal space for veterinary professionals to discuss mental health, but does not replace professional or clinical advice. Veterinary professionals who are experiencing mental health challenges should contact Vetlife, the Samaritans or the NHS.

The first session, ‘Self-care through Winter’, takes place on Wednesday 13 December from 7.00pm-7.30pm. This is followed by ‘Managing Anxiety 101’, which is on Wednesday 24 January from 7.00pm-8.00pm.

To book a place in the first session, visit the MMI events page. Booking for ‘Managing Anxiety 101’ will become available in due course.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.