Author Archives: Amber Tennant

CAWSOME CHRISTMAS PET PHOTO COMPETITION!

This Christmas the College of Animal Welfare decided the run a Pet Photo competition for our degree students and we must admit we were pawsitively blown away by the entries!

The competition was inspired by Claire Defries, BSc VN Programme Leader, who said…

‘We thought a competition would be a chance to offer some light-hearted relief in these challenging times. Couple it with the chance of winning a few little treats and it makes a nice start for the new year. Our students have worked extremely hard this year, we wanted to give everyone the chance to do something festive and fun over the Christmas break’.

The winners are as follows….

1st Place – Emma Jakobsson with this stunning picture of her cat Ivar in the snow

2nd Place – Rosie Shipley with this jolly photo of her beautiful dogs, Lottie and Libby

3rd Place – Martina Caruana with her gorgeous dog Luna

The College of Animal Welfare would like to say a huge thank you to all of you who entered our CAWSOME CHRISTMAS PET PHOTO COMPETITION! All of the entries were utterly fabulous, we were super happy to see you all enjoying your festive break with your four legged friends!

5 Ways to Find Out If A Career Working With Animals Is For You

Many of us don’t decide on a dream career right out school or settle on a field in college and stick with it for life. In fact, a lot of us jump between many jobs in our lifetimes – perhaps getting a feel for many different types of work in different fields.

The good news is that it’s never too late to change careers if it’s something you really want to do. Many of our students come to study with us later on in life, perhaps realising after a long career in a completely different field that working with animals is what they really want to do. If you’ve been thinking about pursuing a career with animals for some time, you may be wondering what you can do to understand more about whether it’s the profession for you.

Before pursuing any new job or career, it’s important to do your research, to make sure that the career you’re interested in fits with your personal qualities, goals and ambitions. Here, we outline some of the ways you can decide whether a career working with animals is for you:

Attend careers events and college open days

Attending college open days or careers events will give you the opportunity to speak to relevant people and gather information about different careers that may be open to you.

For those interested in careers in the animal care and veterinary industries, our annual Careers With Animals Day would be a great place to start. Whether you’re at school and looking at your options, employed in a different field and looking for a career change or unemployed and looking at how you can get back into work, this event will give you the chance to meet with relevant people and organisations within the animal care industry, gain advice, ask questions and receive guidance on training.

We host an annual, virtual Careers With Animals Day, with lots of industry organisations presenting talks about a range of careers with animals. Read more about our Virtual Careers With Animals Day

Take a class or course in animal care

Before making the commitment to full time training or employment in the animal care or veterinary industry, you may wish to take a short course or class in animal care to gain an introduction to the sort of things you need to know when you work with animals.

By taking online classes, attending workshops, reading books, watching webinars/YouTube tutorials and taking the time to learn something new, you’ll get a better feel for where your real interests lie – whether it be with working with dogs, working with horses or working with other animals. You never know where learning something new may take you, you may find the results surprise you!

Take a look at our short online courses and distance learning programmes.

Research careers with animals online

Thanks to the wealth of advice available on the internet about careers with animals, it may be that you already know what move you want to make. In contrast, you might still be researching what new roles could work for you. If this is the case, then a good place to start is our A-Z of animal career profiles.

You can also find lots of helpful online articles, case studies and interviews with members from all over the animal care and veterinary industries, to gain a first-hand account of what it’s like to work in certain professions and the work involved in getting there.

Gain experience working with animals

Work experience is an incredibly valuable opportunity to take a close up look at the career you’re considering, to ensure you are making the right choice before you move ahead with formal training or employment. You can also use work experience as an opportunity to network with members of the industry (who may be able to connect you with work opportunities later down the line) and start gaining the practical skills you will need as a member of the animal care or veterinary professions.

If you’re interested in a career in a veterinary practice, read our advice and guidance about finding gain work experience in a veterinary practice.

Ask people who’re already working in the animal care industry

Before you set your sights on a career with animals, one way to get a sense of what the work is like day-to-day is by setting up opportunities to speak to people who’re already working in the fields you’re interested in, to ask them about their career paths and get advice. You can ask them about their job, their professional history and goals, and the industry as a whole.

You can set up meetings and calls, or use social media to network and find out more about certain people’s careers. For example, you could go on LinkedIn and read people’s job descriptions or read interviews and articles about people in jobs you admire.

Keeping safe when travelling during the winter

Now the clocks have gone back, temperatures are dropping and the nights are drawing in, we want to emphasise the importance of staying safe in the dark and ensuring you’re visible when you’re travelling at night during the winter months.

We aren’t always aware of some of the added dangers lurking during the colder months; but for veterinary nurses, SVNs and others working in the profession, this is especially important when you’re working night shifts in practice and need to travel to and from work.

Walkers

When walking to college or work you should allow extra time for your journey and take extra care to avoid falling, especially during periods of heavy snowfall or icy conditions, as footways are not always gritted. You should also be more aware of your surroundings when walking in the dark. You should:

Walk slowly and carefully to avoid slipping or falling
Wear sensible shoes with plenty of grip, and thick clothing and coats
Be aware of approaching vehicles, cyclists and other walkers
Make sure you can be seen after dark or in poor visibility (eg foggy or overcast days) by keeping to well-lit, populated routes and wearing bright, reflective clothing
Try to avoid secluded or poorly lit areas
Be aware of your surroundings when walking at night by taking out your earphones and being conscious of using your phone in quieter areas. If possible, you may also wish to find a travel buddy or small group to walk with
Don’t forget about your dogs! If you are out walking your dog after dark, hi-Vis dog leads and flashing collars will help your dog to be seen in the dark. Read more of our winter pet safety tips

Drivers

If you need to travel into work or college in your car, we would urge you to take extra care and be aware of the added dangers during wintery weather. You should:

Check the latest local weather forecast before starting out so you’re aware of conditions and road closures
Allow extra time for the journey to de-ice your car and check all your car lights are working fully. Particularly check your fog lights, as it may be some time since you have used them.
Be aware of other road users, pedestrians or cyclists, who may not be taking steps to make themselves visible. Look out for them; better use of your lights will help you see and avoid others.
Make sure you keep blankets, a torch and basic safety equipment in your car in case you break down in adverse weather conditions.
Practice safe driving during bad weather: reduce speed, increase stopping distances, avoid sudden acceleration and braking, drive slowly through bends, use dipped headlights in poor conditions and listen to the latest travel advice from official authorities.
Consider using public transport in bad weather to avoid the risk of breakdowns and potential accidents

Cyclists

Winter cycling presents unique challenges, such as slippery road surfaces to decreased visibility and potentially a greater strain on your body and bike as you battle through wintery weather conditions or cycle after dark. When travelling to college or work by bike, you should:

Fit lights on your bike and check they are all working fully before you set off – it is the law in the UK to have lights on your bike at night
Wear bright, reflective clothing and tape to stay visible after dark or in poor visibility (eg foggy or overcast days) This ensures you draw the attention of drivers, walkers and other cyclists
Set your pace accordingly, for example slow down when roads gets twisty or hilly, or conditions are poor due to heavy rainfall, snowfall, mud, silt or gravel
Winterproof your bike, for example by fitting mud guards or tyres with extra grip
Make sure you regularly service your bike to ensure it is clean and functional, to avoid breakdowns during your journeys
Layer up to ensure you stay warm during colder cycle rides

Public transport and taxis

In wintery conditions there may be delays to public bus and train transport services, so make sure you keep up-to-date by looking at the schedule or website before you leave. If you plan to take a taxi, book it in advance or get one from the taxi rank. Don’t flag down cars and always check you’re travelling with a recognised, licenced taxi service.

Stay alert, and keep safe

Remember, during the pandemic there may be less people around. So, however you choose to travel into work or college – it’s important make plans for your journey and let someone know where and when you will be travelling.

10+ Winter Pet Safety Tips – Keep Your Pets Safe this Winter!

When the weather outside is frightful, keep your pets warm, cozy and delightful with our winter pet safety tips!

With temperatures dropping and wintry weather on the way, our four-legged friends need to be prepared for winter just as much as humans do. We aren’t always aware of some of the added dangers lurking during the colder months, and if left outdoors in the cold for too long – pets can freeze, become disorientated, lost or injured.

Check out some of our winter pet safety tips to help you keep your furry friends safe and warm this Winter:

Prepare your dog for spending time outside, and know their limits

Many dogs enjoy wintery walks in the snow, but it’s important to understand the added risks and take precautions to keep them happy and healthy.

Understand your dog’s limits in the cold

Some dogs are more vulnerable to the colder weather than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, ill or very young dogs may get cold more quickly. So, make sure you understand your dog’s limits and adjust the time they spend outside to support this.

Prepare your dog for wintery walks

If your dog enjoys being outdoors and you will be outside for a trip or walk in wintery weather – consider getting them a warm, dry coat to help them stay warm. Make sure you dog is microchipped and the chip is up-to-date and if you find yourself outside during a snowstorm, keep your dog on a leash to ensure they don’t lose their scent and get lost. Not only this, keep your dog visible during evening walks with a hi-vis coat or flashing collar.

Avoid winter puddles or bodies of water when outside with your pet

Frozen or melting ice can pose dangers for your pet. You don’t know whether frozen water can hold your pet, or whether puddles contain ethylene glycol found in antifreeze, which can be fatal if ingested.

Keep your pooches paws in check

After each walk, its important dry your dog’s paws and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals. You should also check for cracks in paw pads or signs of irritation.

Don’t forget your indoor dogs

For dogs and other pets who would prefer to stay indoors in colder weather, make sure they’re still getting the exercise and stimulation they need in other ways, for example by playing games indoors.

Be aware of cats seeking warmth under cars

Cats often seek comfort and warmth under vehicles in wintery weather. To avoid injuring cats, make sure you tap the hood of your car to check for cats and get them to move before starting your engine.

Keep your pet’s indoor spaces warm and cosy

You may need to review your pet’s sleeping arrangements during the winter months to ensure they stay warm. Make sure your pet has a place to sleep that is off the floor and away from drafts. A thick, cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect!

Antifreeze is poisonous to cats and dogs – keep it out of reach!

Antifreeze could be fatal if ingested by pets – make sure you keep it out of reach and you mop up any spills.

Don’t leave your pets alone in a car during cold weather

Just as you should never leave your pets in a hot car, you shouldn’t leave them in a cold car either. Cars can act as refrigerators during the colder months by holding in the cold, which can cause animals to freeze.

Prepare an emergency pet survival kit

You never know when wintery weather might keep you from leaving the house for extended periods, or when you may get stuck on the roads in the middle of a snowstorm. Make sure that your family survival kit includes your pet. Having an emergency supply of pet food, towels and blankets could save your pet’s life in an emergency!

Be alert, and stay safe

If you’re unsure whether it is too cold for your pet outside – it’s worth remembering that, generally speaking, if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pet!

Don’t miss your opportunity to recruit an apprentice and save up to £3,000!

If you’re a growing business and looking to expand your team, have you considered taking on an apprentice? 

With the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices being just £4.15* per hour, apprenticeships can be an affordable way to take on new staff whilst providing a training opportunity for someone keen to start a career in your industry.

What’s more – don’t forget that the government are currently offering some additional financial bonuses for employers who hire apprentices…

From 1 August 2020 to 31 March 2021, businesses that recruit a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 will receive a £2,000 incentive from the government towards the cost of training, while those that hire new apprentices aged 25 and over will be paid £1,500.

These payments will be  in addition to the existing £1,000 incentive training providers already provides for new 16-18 year old apprentices, and those aged under 25 with an education, health and care plan where that applies.*

This means that if you hire a 16 to 18 year old apprentice in the next 6 months, you could receive £3,000!  If you also have less than 50 contracted employees, the apprenticeship fees for those aged 16-18 years of age will be fully funded!

Discover more benefits of apprenticeship training

Time is running out to gain an extra pair of hands for less. Talk to us about apprenticeship training today, before it’s too late!

In order to claim the incentive payments, your new apprentice needs to have started their contract of employment before 31 March 2021.

Additionally, if you are a small or medium sized employer (non-levy payer), you need to set up a Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account before you’re eligible for the payment.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the financial incentives to recruit a new apprentice, our apprenticeship team can help you set up your DAS account and recruit your new staff member before the deadline. Please contact us directly at funding@caw.ac.uk or on 01480 422060 for more information. You can also view all of our apprenticeship programmes on our website.

Careers With Animals Day is going VIRTUAL!

For those aspiring to an exciting career working with animals, there’s no better place to start than our annual Careers With Animals Day!

Running as a virtual event for the very first time on Saturday 9 January 2021 (9:30am-5pm), attendees will be able to listen to a jam-packed timetable of careers talks being held throughout the day on careers ranging from veterinary nursing to dog grooming…all from the comfort of their own home!

Running a virtual event means we can welcome people from all over the world to join us from the comfort of their home, using our new virtual conferencing software. Visitors will get the chance to listen to career talks, ask questions and gain advice about how to start a career working with animals. What’s more – attendance is FREE!

Whether you’re a school leaver working out what your next move is going to be, an adult looking for a career change, or unemployed and eager to get back to work – everyone is welcome. The event will run via our new virtual conferencing software on Saturday 9^th January, from 9:30am until 5pm and entry is completely free of charge. More information about speakers, and a link to attendance, will be released in the coming weeks.

If you would like to register your interest in the event visit our website or join our Facebook event page.

Sadly, staying safe at home isn’t the case for all as domestic violence remains a major concern during the pandemic

Signal For Help

As we are all spending significantly more time at home, it is important to remember that home is not always a safe place for some. Cases of domestic violence during Covid-19 are rising and as a response to this, a new worldwide campaign has been launched called ‘Signal For Help’.

When communicating with anyone online (be that students, staff, family members and friends) be vigilant for this hand gesture –

Palm to camera
Tuck thumb
Trap thumb (making a fist)

This hand sign can be used by anyone who is suffering abuse at home – it is a safe sign that leaves no digital trace and silently communicates to the viewer that help is needed.

Please watch this video to see the sign being used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFLZEQFIm7k&feature=emb_logo

Safeguarding at CAW

If you witness this sign being used by a student, please contact a member of the safeguarding team on Safeguarding contact number 01480 422070 or email: safeguarding@caw.ac.uk.

If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call the police.

Make yourself heard – What to do if you need urgent police help through the 999 service, but can’t speak?

A national campaign to raise awareness of a system to help people alert the police when they are in immediate danger, but are unable to speak was launched by The Independent Office For Police Conduct on 8 April 2019.

The Silent Solution System enables a 999 caller using a mobile phone who is unable to make any noise or speak, to press 55 when prompted. Then the police will be informed they are in a genuine emergency. You can find out more about this here.

Resources

Remember, you don’t need to wait until you or others are in immediate danger or in an emergency situation to seek help.

Further sources of help and support for those at risk can be found at:

10 Simple Self Care Ideas to Boost your Wellbeing

It’s really important to take the time to look after your emotional and mental wellbeing.

Many of us are facing more social and economic pressures. You may be feeling the pressures of working or studying whilst trying to maintain a positive balance at home. Some of us may be faced with uncertainty over finances and changes in the economy and future job security.

With this in mind, we urge our students, along with our wider community, to make time for self-care and research self care ideas that may work for them. Healthy living isn’t just about what you eat for dinner or how often you’re in the gym. It’s about taking time out to focus on yourself to boost your emotional and mental wellbeing.

This self-care week, take a look at these ten simple self care ideas that you can use to boost your wellbeing, which don’t take up a lot of time and can slot into busy routines more easily:

Watch the sunrise or sunset

Any time you can make in your life to pause and simply breathe is a good way to boost mental wellbeing. Making a point to watch the day begin and end each day is a perfect way to slow down. What’s more – you can enjoy the sunlight at its most colourful! (Don’t take any pictures or post about it on social media, just watch!)

Take a leisurely walk

A short walk around the block or your local park in the fresh air can help clear your mind of worries or distractions, and just focus on the ‘here and now’ for a while. Remember to follow the latest guidance from the government in regards to social distancing.

Listen to a feel-good playlist or podcast

Wind down from a busy day by listening to your favourite songs, or a short podcast on a topic that interests you.

Read a book

When was the last time you read a good book? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone – many people struggle to find the time to read. However, sitting down with a book even for just five minutes can help to reduce stress and keep your mind stimulated. If you’re looking to revitalise a love of reading, why not take a look at Amazon’s 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime?

Declutter your house or wardrobe

Taking the time to clean up a cluttered area that has been bothering you for a while, or give away clothes you don’t really need, can help you feel more organised. As they say, a tidy home equals a tidy mind!

Write a journal entry

Writing can be a fun past time to inspire creativity and help you to organise your thoughts to boost self-reflection. You could write about your feelings, experiences and thoughts about your day; or pick from one of the thousands of diary prompts available online.

Try meditation

Meditation is a simple method to focus on the present moment. The mental health benefits of meditation include better focus and concentration, improved self-awareness and self-esteem, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and fostering kindness.

Take a day away from social media and the news

Between the news and social media, we’re all feeling saturated by coronavirus updates right now. It’s important to stay informed, but too much exposure can increase feelings of fear and anxiety. Try to limit your media intake to a couple of times a day and use trusted news sources. If you catch yourself turning to social media because you’re feeling isolated, take a break and spend time on another activity.

Learn something new

Have you ever wanted to get into drawing or learning a musical instrument? Now’s a great time to make a start and there are free resources available for all kinds of hobbies. YouTube has great free online tutorials for pretty much everything. We also offer a range of online, distance learning programmes.

Call a friend or family member

We’re all doing our best to adapt to a new way of living, so now more than ever we need to check in with others. There’s a lot of comfort to be found in simply having a catch up with a loved one.

If it’s all getting a bit much…

Sometimes things can get overwhelming, even if you’ve been practising self-care. If it’s available to you, you should consider seeing your GP or mental health professional for extra help. You could also ask your mental health professional if they could chat over Skype/FaceTime if you’re in self-isolation.

Further mental health support at The College of Animal Welfare

If you’re a student or staff member with us, and you’re struggling with your mental wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher, head of course or line manager – they are there to help and support you. We also offer lots of additional mental health support that you can access free of charge:

Togetherall

All staff and students can now access free online mental health and wellbeing support through Togetherall (previously called Big White Wall). This service can be used at any time of the day or night, all year round.

Whether you’re suffering from stress, problems with sleep, feeling low or unable to cope, or simply need someone to talk to, Togetherall can help you get support and learn useful coping strategies to improve mental health and wellbeing. The service enables members to get things off their chest in a safe, anonymous global community. You can access a library of self-care resources and trained professionals are online 24/7 to keep all members safe and provide extra support.

The college will not be informed of those who are signed up to Togetherall or activity on the service unless they are seriously concerned about safety whilst on campus. To join, go to the Togetherall website and sign up under ‘I’m from a university or college’ using a staff or student e-mail address.

College counselling services

In addition to this, we offer a confidential counselling service, with up to six free sessions available to students (the college is not made aware of any appointments made). The College counsellors are still available via phone, email or video conference:

Jill Dighton | Tel: 07925 852 985 | Email: jill@jdighton.co.uk

Mark Walsh | Tel: 07905 611 591 | Email: mwalsh4@sky.com

Mental health resources

Mental Health Foundation
Mind
Samaritans
Vetlife– Mental health support and financial assistance for the veterinary community including veterinary nurses and students
Living Well area on CAW VLE

It’s not all Zoom and Gloom: How to Cope with Video Call Fatigue and Anxiety

Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime – for many of us, working and studying from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has meant video call apps have become essential tools in our lives, allowing us to attend classes and stay in touch with classmates, colleagues, friends and family.

Video calling has made it possible for us to continue to study, learn, work and communicate in innovative ways. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges…

On a video call we need to work much harder to process the nonverbal signals we can interpret effortlessly face-to-face. Not only this, we need to place more energy into conveying our interests, feelings and enthusiasm.

For some, these novel pressures to “perform” socially or in a school/work setting via video conference can lead to feelings of video call fatigue, burnout or anxiety. If you’re struggling with video calling, you’re not alone. Here, we’re discussing some of the ways you can overcome these feelings to ensure you make the most of your online interactions – whether you’re attending an online class, a work meeting or a catch up with your friends. Let’s make a start:

Suss out the technology

Technology has created innovative ways for us to stay in contact; however, the frustrations that come with setting up and holding video calls can sometimes cause video call fatigue, anxiety or discomfort. For example, people turning their microphones on and off, lagging connections, and background noise mean meetings don’t always run smoothly.

You can avoid these frustrations by making sure you have a strong and consistent internet connection. You should also make an effort to really understand the technology you’re using and the features available to improve your experience. By doing this, you’ll also avoid rookie errors that come with online communication, such as sharing the incorrect screen to your teachers/classmates, or accidentally sending the wrong message into a group chat.

Make use of pre-made backgrounds

Many video calling applications such as Microsoft Teams offer lots of fun patterns and landscapes that you can place to block out your background on camera.

This light-hearted feature can be a simple fix to many of the novel anxieties that come with going to classes or meeting your colleagues from home. For example, you won’t need to worry about your remote workspace and showing something that makes you look bad to our colleagues or classmates. Equally, there will be no need to fret about your kids or family members bursting into the room at any moment and distracting the call.

Get comfortable with being on camera

For people who worry about their appearance or behaviour on camera, being forced to look at your own face on screen for a whole class or meeting can increase video call fatigue or anxiety.

To minimise this feeling, you could hide self-view once you’ve turned on your camera and checked your lighting is ok. Others will see you, but (as in real-life) you won’t constantly be reminded of that fact. This can help you to feel less self-conscious.

If you’re shy on camera, there are ways you can try to get used to it in small doses. For example, you could turn on your camera when you join a meeting so others can see you and “know” you’re there, and then turn it off. Some people prefer to turn their camera off when they’re not speaking, but turn it back on when they are. If you’re a student, it’s also worth having a conversation with your teacher or lecturer, as they’ll be able to provide you with some extra support and guidance.

In these days of increased isolation, it’s important to remember being on camera is one of the few ways we can physically see each other, and a key way for the people that care for us (teachers, friends, family) to see that we are ok.

Mix up your communication methods

Limiting the number of video calls you make in one day can help reduce fatigue. Whilst some video calls are essential and everyone needs to show up if they are expected to be present (for example, a group class, lecture or seminar) there may be other instances where you can communicate in other ways. In this respect, it is worth having a think about where you can opt for other forms of communication, and have those conversations to see if this is possible. For example, sometimes using a shared document platform to make detailed collaborative notes can reduce the need to meet. Additionally, you could use instant messenger, email or speak on the phone instead.

Apply face-to-face meeting rules to boost efficiency and reduce fatigue and anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic may have put a halt to face-to-face meetings for a while, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring the principles of regular meetings and classes into our video calls. Take note of these snippets of advice:

Be prepared for your video call

Preparing in advance can help you feel more confident on the day. You could do this by writing down some things to say to questions you think might come up, having some notes you can rely upon if you need them, or even perhaps rehearsing what you’re going to say.

Practice methods for controlling anxiety in the moment

Combat video call fatigue and anxiety in the moment by using positive self talk such as “I can do this” “I know what I’m talking about” and focusing on your breathing to calm down.

Have meetings with purpose

Video calls drag on when there is no understanding of what you need to accomplish. For any calls you hold, make sure you identify a clear purpose for the meeting. You should also secure an agenda of what you’ll cover. This way, the calls will be more efficient and productive.

Scheduling short calls is ok

It’s much better to have a 10-15 minute call where all participants are positively engaged, rather than spend an hour on a call with people who are clearly distracted or uncomfortable. In this sense, sometimes a quick catch up may suffice!

Schedule breaks

Having back-to-back video calls means you have no time for a mental, visual, or physical break. Think back to in-person meetings. Even when they’re back-to-back, you usually have small breaks to grab a drink or switch rooms. You need those same breaks to reenergize when working remotely too.

Reach out to others and talk about your worries, and seek extra help and support if you need it

It’s a universal truth that a burden shared is a burden halved. We’re all doing our best to adapt to new ways of communicating. It’s likely that the other people in your classes or meetings may be going through similar experiences, feelings and worries. There’s a lot of comfort to be found in simply airing your troubles to others. This way, you can talk about how you can overcome shared problems together.

We’re living in unprecedented times, and mental health has never been more important. It’s ok to reach out for further help and support if you need it. There are so many people, organisations, services and resources out there to help you cope during difficult times.

If it’s available to you, you should consider seeing your GP or mental health professional for extra help. You could also ask your mental health professional if they could chat over Skype/FaceTime if you’re in self-isolation.

Further mental health support at The College of Animal Welfare

If you’re a student or staff member with us, and you’re struggling with video call fatigue or anxiety, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher, head of course or line manager – they are there to help and support you. We also offer lots of additional mental health support that you can access free of charge: