Author Archives: Amber Tennant

Intensive dog grooming courses: Give your dog grooming skills the recognition they deserve!

If you’re an experienced dog groomer without a formal qualification, have you considered gaining official recognition of your skills and experience by undertaking an intensive version of the City & Guilds dog grooming qualifications?

By undertaking a formal qualification, you will boost your professional credibility even further, helping you to gain more customers, pave the way to a promotion or expand your business.

Our intensive dog grooming courses are ideal for experienced groomers who are looking to brush up on their skills and gain professional groomer status. What’s more – the programmes primarily run in the evenings, making it easy to get formally qualified around a busy schedule! Read on to find out more…

City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants: Intensive, Experienced Groomers

This intensive course is ideal if you’re an experienced dog groomer who wants the opportunity to gain the level 2 City & Guilds qualification. You would attend four evening theory sessions and one or two practical sessions at College for assessment during the working day. Throughout the programme you will look at dog behaviour, animal health/basic first aid, legislation and exam techniques. The next programme begins on Wednesday 3^rd April.

Completion of this course, provided you have five years full-time grooming experience, will also enable you to progress onto the Intensive Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and achieve professional groomer status.

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming: Intensive, Experienced Groomers

If you’re an experienced groomer who has achieved the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants qualification and have at least five years of full-time grooming experience, this intensive course could be for you!

You will attend seven evening theory sessions and ten practical days for grooming support. You will then attend college for two days for your synoptic practical assessments which are completed under exam conditions. During the programme you will look at first aid, health and breed defects, risk assessments, customer service and basic business set up. The next course starts on Wednesday 15^th May.

Our City & Guilds accredited dog grooming qualifications are all taught by qualified dog groomers with solid industry experience. To apply for the courses please visit our website.

Self-Injury Awareness Day – learn more about how to help! (1 March)

Self-injury affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, career, or personal strength; and it’s much more common than many people realise.

The UK has the highest self-injury rate of any country in Europe with estimates of 400 in 100,000 people self-harm. What’s more – these figures are likely to be higher as many people who self-harm do not tell anyone about it.*

In order to live in a world where people treat self-injury with understanding, and where you can talk freely about mental health instead of suffering in silence, it’s incredibly important to raise awareness about self-injury. Read on to find out more about self-injury and how you can help someone who may be struggling to cope:

What is Self-Injury?

Self-injury (also known as self-harm) is when somebody deliberately harms their own body. It’s often used as a way to cope with or express intense emotional distress caused by underlying problems in life. People self-harm for lots of different reasons, however overwhelming emotional issues could be caused by:

Social problems such as being bullied, having difficulties at work, having difficult relationships with friends/family, or coming to terms with their sexuality
Trauma such as physical/sexual abuse, the death of a loved one or having a miscarriage
Psychological causes such as having thoughts or voices telling them to self-harm, disassociating or borderline personality disorder

Although many people who self-harm do not want to end their lives, it’s important to know that sometimes the emotional distress leading to self-injury can also lead to thoughts of suicide, and self-injury can be a cry for help. Self-injury is also linked to anxiety and depression.

Types of self-injury

There are many different ways people can intentionally harm themselves, however most common forms of self-injury are:

Scratching
Cutting
Burning
Non-suicidal overdosing (chronic self-medication)

Indications of Self-Injury

Signs of self-injury can be hard to spot, as people who self-harm often hide their behaviour and keep their feelings to themselves because they’re ashamed or afraid of judgement. There may be no warning signs, but some of the things below might indicate that someone is suffering emotional distress and relying on self-injury:

Obvious cuts, scratches or burns that do not appear to be of an accidental nature
Frequent “accidents” that cause physical injury
Regularly bandaged arms and/or wrists
Taking more time off work either sick or to visit the doctor or hospital
Wearing long sleeves and trousers even during hot weather
Signs of low self-esteem, such as blaming themselves for any problems or thinking they’re not good enough for something
Self-loathing and expressing a wish to punish themselves
Becoming very withdrawn and not speaking to others
Signs of depression such as a low mood, tearfulness or lack of motivation or interest in anything

How to help someone who is self-injuring

If someone you care about is self-injuring, there are things you can do to help:

Let the person know you care about them and are available to listen
Focus on the underlying problems behind the person’s self-injury rather than the self-injury itself. Don’t ask to see their scars or about the methods they use – instead, ask them if there is anything that is making them unhappy or stressed that you could help with
Treat them as normally as you usually would. They are still the same person and self-injury does not make them weird or abnormal
Don’t show disgust or anger, any negativity will increase the person’s distress and may alienate them from you
Encourage the person to do things that make them happy
Don’t gossip or tell anyone else about the situation unless they ask you to, or they ever express a wish to end their life
Remember to take care of yourself – it is difficult coping with the self-injury of someone you care about, so don’t be afraid to seek extra support yourself.

How to help yourself if you’re self-injuring

If you’re using self-injury as a way to cope, you do not need to suffer in silence. Self-injury has nothing to do with personal strength and admitting that you need help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

The first step is speaking to your local GP. They will be able to treat any physical injuries, assess why you self-harm and recommend treatment/further assessment if needed.
Find your nearest GP services

There are also many organisations that can offer support and guidance for people who self-harm (as well as friends, families and co-workers) including:

Samaritans– call 116 123 (open 24 hours a day), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit your local Samaritans branch
Mind– call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 (9am to 6pm on weekdays)
Harmless– email info@harmless.org.uk
National Self Harm Network forums
YoungMinds Parents Helpline– call 0808 802 5544 (9.30am to 4pm on weekdays)

The College of Animal Welfare presents collaborative research at ICRTEL 2019

Barbara Cooper (Principal at The College of Animal Welfare), Nina De Franco (Head of Veterinary Studies at The College of Animal Welfare) and Tina Moore (Lecturer at Middlesex University, London) presented a research paper on Modernising the OSCE assessment in Veterinary Nursing at the International Conference on Research in Teaching, Education & Learning (ICRTEL) in Dubai from 24-25 February.

The annual conference allows researchers, practitioners and educators to come together to share information in the field of teaching and learning. Key note speakers included:

Aseel Zibin, Assistant Professor of Linguists and English at the University of Jordan
Anna Pfennig, Head of Technical Studies and Life Sciences from the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin
Dr Abdel Rahman Mitib Altakhaineh from the UAE
Professor Wadesango from the University of Limpopo in South Africa

Research papers were all presented in English on a variety of educational topics with representatives from all over the world. Nina De Franco shared with the audience the approach proposed with the implementation of Holistic Assessment of Clinical Skills (HACS).

Papers of particular note included the use of the inverted classroom scenarios, blended learning concepts and the impact of lecture films on study behaviour. An overview of the teaching methods in the art of ballet highlighted how knowledge and skills were only part of what made a successful ballet dancer. A key feature was the measurement of how they use their soul to express their movement. Interesting parallels were drawn to measuring the behavioural skills required of learners following other disciplines.

A session looking at teacher expectations raised some thought provoking ideas that showed that learner age is rarely an influencing factor. Cultural issues were highlighted in a session exploring early childhood educators responses to children’s interpersonal sexual behaviours. The effects of professionalisation of teaching on pedagogical skills of academics, as experienced by one postgraduate diploma in Higher Education, was explored; indicating that all educators have a responsibility to keep themselves up-to-date with current learner perception and approaches to learner preference.

Save 30% on boarding fees this Spring at Campus Vets and Pets!

With flowers beginning to bloom and the Easter holidays fast approaching, if you’re planning on making a getaway this Spring, now is the time to be finding somewhere for your cat or dog to stay…

Why not consider the Campus Vets and Pets (located at our Leeds centre) luxury boarding kennels and cattery for your beloved pet?

At Campus Vets and Pets your pet(s) will benefit from…

A fully insured premises
An on-site veterinary practice and dog grooming service
24/7 CCTV security
Friendly and caring staff

All breeds of cat and dog are welcome. Prices remain the same throughout the year, and discounts are available on multiple dogs, or multiple cats, from the same family. What’s more – if you’re a student or staff member at The College of Animal Welfare, you can save 30% on boarding fees this Spring! See prices

Located just off of junction 28 of the M62 with free onsite parking, Campus Vets and Pets is easily commutable from: Morley, Batley, Wakefield, Dewsbury, Leeds and Pontefract. Get directions from your postcode

Book your pet in for a stay today!

Campus Vets and Pets is open all year round and throughout the Easter holidays, but spaces are now filling up! If you would like to book your pet in to stay, call the boarding team on 0113 467 8650.

To find out more about our facilities and view our pricing structure, please visit the Campus Vets and Pets website.

RCVS Council election candidates and new VN Council member announced

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced the candidates standing in the 2019 RCVS Council elections.

There are nine candidates standing in this year’s RCVS Council election. They are:

Dr Linda Belton MRCVS
Dr Niall Connell MRCVS
Mr John C Davies MRCVS
Dr Joanna (Jo) Dyer MRCVS
Professor Timothy (Tim) Greet FRCVS
Professor John Innes FRCVS
Dr Thomas (Tom) Lonsdale MRCVS
Dr Katherine (Kate) Richards MRCVS
Mr Peter Robinson MRCVS

Ballot papers and candidate details for the RCVS Council election are due to be posted and emailed to all veterinary surgeons eligible to vote during the week commencing 25 March. All votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday 26 April 2019. For more information about each candidate, including biographies and statements, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote19.

In order to give the electorate the opportunity to learn more about why each candidate is standing and ask them for their views on particular issues, the college is inviting members of the profession to ask questions directly to the candidates. Each candidate will then produce a video recording their answers to two questions of their choice. Recordings will be published on the RCVS website and YouTube channel on the week the election commences.

Vets should email their question to vetvote19@rcvs.org.uk or send it to the College’s Twitter account @theRCVS using the hashtag #vetvote19 by midday on Monday 4 March 2019.

New VN Council member announced

This year there will be no election for Veterinary Nurses (VN) Council as only two candidates – current VN Council Vice-Chair Liz Cox and newcomer Jane Davidson – stood for the two available places for elected members. Both Liz and Jane will start their three-year terms on VN Council at Royal College Day on Friday 12 July 2019.

Start training as a veterinary nurse this April!

If you’re looking to kick-start a career as a veterinary nurse this year, don’t wait until September – you can start training as soon as April 2019 at The College of Animal Welfare!

Veterinary nursing is the perfect job for those looking for a varied, challenging and rewarding career where you will make a difference to the lives of animals every single day. What’s more – there’s a nationwide shortage of veterinary nurses, so job prospects on completion of formal training are excellent.

Our next day release courses begin in April 2019 from our Huntingdon, Potters Bar and Leeds centre, and there’s still time to apply!

As a day release student, you would attend college one day per week. Outside of college you will gain practical experience in a suitable veterinary practice, either as a paid employee or a non-employed student on work placement. There are also apprenticeship options available.

To apply to start training this April, please visit our website.

Love your sexual health this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is here, and with romance in the air there’s no better time to start thinking about your sexual health!

Sexual health is an essential part of your emotional and social well being, so there’s no need to feel awkward or shy away from talking about it. It’s just as important as your physical or mental health, and the good news is that taking control of your sexual health is easier than ever before.

With the right precautions, information and care, you can enjoy a safe sex life and be in the best position you can be to form healthy sexual relationships.

Take precautions

If you are choosing to have any kind of sex, it’s important to have a healthy awareness about the health risks involved, so you can take the rights steps to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Visit The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) for more information

Get tested

If you’ve had unprotected sex and suspect you may be at risk of an STI, make sure you get tested as soon as possible. Many people with STIs don’t realise they have them, but if left untreated they can put your health at risk. Take control and get tested as early as you can; that way treatment can be started sooner.

Where can I get tested for STIs?

If you’re worried you may have an STI, don’t panic. There are many places you can turn to, to gain advice/guidance, get tested and receive treatment. You can get tested at:

A sexual health clinic – Find your nearest STI services
A community contraceptive clinic – Find contraceptive services near you
Sexual health services – call the national sexual health line on 0300 1237123, or Worth Talking About (for under 18s) on 0300 123 2930
Some GP surgeries
Some pharmacies can also test for chlamydia

Self-test kits for STIs are also available online and on the high street, which sometimes can be delivered to your house, if you would prefer to do the test yourself. Read more about self-test kits

If you or your partner aren’t ready for pregnancy, use contraception

You may wish to start a family one day, but if now isn’t the right time – always use protection. There are many different contraceptive options available to you, and your local GP or contraceptive clinic can discuss your choices and help you choose a method that works best for your needs and lifestyle.
Read more about different forms of contraception

Learn about emergency contraception

If you’ve had unprotected sex and now you or your partner could be pregnant, don’t panic! Emergency contraception is available, including the emergency contraceptive pill or the intrauterine device (IUD). Read more about emergency contraception

Talk openly with your partner

Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about your sexual health. A truly intimate relationship is all about good communication, and respecting each other’s wishes, feelings and decisions you make about your bodies. If you want to learn more about healthy relationships, visit https://www.relate.org.uk

Be proactive about your sexual health

Remember, protecting your sexual health is not just for Valentine’s Day! Make sure you’re keeping on top of your sexual health all year round. This means attending checkups and preventive screenings when they’re offered to you, and taking steps to manage existing medical conditions.

Debt Awareness Week: What to do if you’re struggling with debt

According to the Money Advice Service, there are now over 8 million people in the UK living with problem debts.*

The stress that money worries create can make many people feel hopeless, but it’s important to remain positive and remember that there is no debt problem that cannot be fixed with careful planning and consistency. Although there may not be an easy or quick fix, there’s always a way out of debt and the earlier you acknowledge your financial situation the easier it will be to deal with it.

Find out about the different ways to deal with debts if you are falling behind with day-to-day bills, loan and credit card repayments or other financial commitments such as your rent or mortgage.

Debt Management Plan (DMP)
Debt Relief Order (DRO)
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
Bankruptcy
Administration Order
Offer in full or final settlement* – if you have a lump sum that would cover part of your debts, you may be able to ask your creditors to accept a part payment and write off the rest of your debts.
Writing off your debts* – If you have no available income, savings or assets and you are able to show your creditors that your circumstances are unlikely to improve in future (for example, if you’re severely ill) in exceptional circumstances you may be able to write off your debts.

*Speak to a debt advisor to see if this solution could work for you.

Make sure you access free debt advice before you make a decision. It’s always a good idea to talk things through with an experienced debt advisor, as they will be able to give you impartial guidance about which option is best for your personal circumstances. Find out where you can get free debt advice

RCVS Knowledge Veterinary Evidence Student Awards!

Calling all veterinary nursing degree students!

If you’re interested in getting your academic work published in a peer-reviewed veterinary journal before you graduate, why not enter the RCVS Knowledge Veterinary Evidence Student Awards?

The competition is open to veterinary nursing, veterinary medicine and veterinary bioscience undergraduates across the county. To enter the competition, you need to write a Knowledge Summary and submit it for publication in Veterinary Evidence.

The winners will have their paper published in the journal and be awarded one of the following cash prizes:

1^st place: £200
2^nd place: £100
3^rd place: £50

To win one of the prizes, a submitted paper must be considered by our judges to be at a ‘publishable standard’. All submissions will be considered for publication, so even if you don’t submit one of the winning entries you still stand a chance of having your paper and name published in Veterinary Evidence.

The deadline for submissions is 31st March 2019, and the winners will be announced at the VET19 conference in June. For more information and details about how to enter visit the RCVS Knowledge website.

10 Key Milestones in British LGBT History

February marks LGBT History Month

It’s crucial that as a society we remember the struggles of those who have fought to give us the lives we have today. This LGBT history month we want to take the time to reflect on events that, over the years, have brought about growth and acceptance.

Read on to find out more about key milestones in British LGBT+ history:

1951 – Roberta Cowell becomes the first known British trans woman to undergo reassignment surgery. Read more about Roberta Cowell
1958 – The Homosexual Law Reform Society is founded to campaign for the legalisation of same-sex relationships in the UK.
1972 – The first Pride march takes place in London, attracting around 2000 participants. Today, Pride in London attracts up to a million people, with other events taking place throughout the country.
1988 – Prompted by the introduction of Section 28, Sir Ian McKellen and others launch Stonewall (now the largest LGBT rights organisation in the UK) in order to lobby against Section 28 and other barriers to equality. The government later repealed Section 28 in 2003, and passed legislation giving LGBT+ people employment rights.
1994 – The UK Crown Dependency of Isle of Man fully decriminalises homosexuality.
2000 – The UK Government lifts the ban on lesbians, gay men and bisexual people serving in the armed forces.
2002 – Same-sex couples are granted equal rights when applying for adoption.
2004 – The Civil Partnership Act is passed and grants civil partnership in the UK.
2005 – The first LGBT History Month is launched at the Tate Modern in London.
2014 – The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 comes into force.

Sources of further information and guidance

The UK has come a long way in the fight for LGBT rights, however there is still a long way to go. Below are sources of further information on LGBT rights in the UK and across the globe, including details about how you can get involved.

Human Rights Watch– News, analysis and resources from a human rights perspective, including LGBT rights.
Stonewall– Group campaigning for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the UK.
LGBT Foundation– Offers information for LGBT people on sexual health, well-being, groups and events.