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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th July 2024
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Vet professionals encouraged to become Mental Health First Aiders
There is a course for all in the veterinary profession, and one for those in Northern Ireland.
The courses advise how to support friends and colleagues.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is inviting more veterinary professionals to become Mental Health First Aiders as part of its Mind Matters Initiative (MMI).

MMI will be providing two different courses, which will both be presented online in October.

The first course, which is delivered and certified by Mental Health First Aid England, is open for all within the veterinary profession. There is also another course specifically for those living or working in Northern Ireland, which is being delivered by the Northern Irish charity Aware.

MMI aims to introduce new courses specifically for those in Scotland or Wales in early 2025.

The courses are designed to provide attendees with the skills they need to recognise signs of poor mental health, improve mental health literacy and advise how to give first-level support.

Those who complete the course will be certified Mental Health First Aiders. They will receive a digital three-year Mental Health First Aider Certificate, a digital reference manual and access to the Mental Health First Aider Support app for three years.

Both of these courses run for two full days, across Tuesday, 8 October and Tuesday, 15 October. They are open to all in the veterinary profession, including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, students, receptionists and practice managers.

Rapinder Newton, MMI lead, said: “The course is ideal for individuals looking to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, to be confident in starting a conversation with someone who might be struggling, and to learn how to signpost to appropriate support.

“As our network of veterinary Mental Health First Aiders continues to grow, we are proud to see the impact that is being had – the more veterinary professionals we can support to become Mental Health First Aiders, the more people will be able to easily access support as and when they need it most.”

Both courses are partially subsidised by MMI, and cost £95 per person for the two days. Those interested can register on the MMI events page, or the Eventbrite pages for the open course and the Northern Ireland course, before 10 September or when the courses become full.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.