Author Archives: Amber Tennant

Wildlife Conservation Day: Top Tips to make your garden more wildlife-friendly! (4 Dec)

According to reports, more than one in 10 of the UK’s wildlife species are threatened with extinction.

If you’re interested in being involved in wildlife conservation, why not start at home? There are many ways you can make your patch a little greener, and keep wildlife thriving in your garden…

Grow flowers: Not only do flowers look beautiful and bring colour and life into your garden, they are also essential to bees and provide food for many insects. Choose different plants that flower the longest (providing pollen and nectar) and ditch the pesticides!
Create a pond: Installing a small pond would be a great boost for wildlife, and it doesn’t need to be big or complicated! You can use a buried bucket or trough but remember to make sure there is a way out or at least one sloping side for animals that may fall in by accident.
Install a birdhouse or feeder: Give birds a place to stay in your garden by installing a birdhouse or feeder. You could buy one or make your own!
Make and use your own compost in your garden: Making and using your own compost will naturally enrich your soil, and also provide a habitat for worms and woodlice.
Relax about weeds: There’s no need to stress about weeds! Plants such as nettles and daisies are an important source of food for many insects including butterflies and moths.
Create a space for insects: You can leave piles of rocks and twigs in an area of your garden, to create shelter for all sorts insects such as beetles and spiders.
Let the grass grow: Longer grass is the perfect habitat for many plant and insect species to thrive, including butterflies and wildflowers. By letting some or all of your lawn grow, you’ll be leaving more space for wildlife to grow!
Keep your hedges: Native hedges or a mix of trees and shrubs will naturally create safe shelters or nesting sites for the larger animals and also food sources for a variety of creatures.
Use gapped fencing: Don’t lock out hedgehogs from your garden! Where possible, use gapped fencing or create small gaps under your fences to create easy access for hedgehogs.

Wildlife Conservation Day is a global awareness initiative that aims to provide people with the opportunity to learn more about wildlife conservation and to be part of the solution to common threats to endangered species, including poaching, commercial and residential developments, climate change and pollution. To find out more visit https://www.wwf.org.uk/

Want to learn more about environmental conservation? Study our Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment!

Trees of green, red roses too…isn’t nature wonderful? If you love being outdoors, are interested in the environment around you and are fascinated by wildlife and different habitats, why not learn more?

Our Level 2 Diploma in Countryside and Environment gives you the freedom to study in your own time, at your own pace. Throughout this online course you’ll gain an introduction the principles behind environmental management and conservation, learning about ecological surveys, conserving British habitats, land-based business – and much more!

Nominations for VN Council 2019 elections now open

Nominations are now open for veterinary nurses who are eligible to stand for Veterinary Nurses (VN) Council, for next year’s elections.

The nomination period for the VN Council runs until 5pm on Thursday 31 January 2019. In order to stand, candidates need to complete a nomination form, submit a short biography and personal statement and supply a high resolution digital photo.

Each candidate will also need to have two nominators. For VN Council candidates, the nominators must be registered veterinary nurses who are not currently on VN Council.

Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for prospective VN Council candidates are available at www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil19. For more information please visit the RCVS website.

World Aids Day: Common Questions Answered!

World Aids Day is a national awareness campaign dedicated to highlighting the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.

World Aids Day is also about pushing against the ignorance that still limits the opportunities of over 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK. People living with HIV are more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to have poor mental health. Discrimination is also rife, with one third of people living with HIV in the UK having experienced discrimination. [1] Take a look at some of the most common questions about HIV answered…

What’s the difference between HIV and aids?

Somebody who has the HIV virus in their body is described as living with HIV; whereas a person is described as having developed aids when the immune system is no longer strong enough to protect the body against diseases it would usually cope with easily.

How is HIV passed on?

The most common ways HIV is transmitted is through sex without a condom and sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

MYTH: HIV can be passed on through saliva, sweat, urine, day-to-day contact, sharing utensils, kissing or biting.
FACT: HIV does not survive for long outside of the body; the most common forms of HIV transmission are sex without a condom, oral sex without a condom (very low risk) or sharing a needle or injecting equipment with a HIV positive person. A small number of people living with HIV in the UK acquired it before or soon after birth (‘vertical’ or ‘mother-to-child’ transmission). [2]

Who is at risk of HIV infection?

Anyone that is having sex without a condom is putting themselves at risk. While some groups in the UK carry a disproportionate burden of HIV (for instance, around 1 in 20 men who has sex with men is living with HIV in comparison to around 1 in 525 in the UK population overall), 25% of people diagnosed with the condition in the UK are not in any of these groups. [3]

What are the symptoms of HIV?

70-90% of people experience various symptoms within the first three months of acquiring HIV, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, mouth ulcers, night sweats, weight loss and swollen glands. [4] After these symptoms have subsided, it is possible for a person to live for many years without any indication that they have the virus. This is why it is important to get tested as soon as you believe you have put yourself as risk of HIV infection, as the lack of any symptoms thereafter means that the virus can strengthen for years before treatment can be started.

I have put myself at risk of HIV. What should I do?

If you believe you may have exposed yourself to HIV, it is important that you seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. You can do this by taking a free, and completely confidential, test at your local sexual health clinic to determine whether you have HIV. Alternatively, you can get a self-testing kit if you would prefer to take a test at home.

If you have put yourself at risk and it is within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV, you can look into Post Exposure Prohylaxis (PEP) treatment from a sexual health clinic or A&E; PEP will not necessarily prevent HIV infection, however it is more effective the sooner it is taken.

What can I do to help?

Campaign:Contact your local MP and ensure they are showing leadership on HIV. Make sure they understand the needs and priorities of their constituents who are living with or affected by HIV.
Educate:Download campaign resources from the World Aid’s Day website, and turn your school or workplace into an education hub. Encourage people to learn more about the history of HIV, what life with HIV is like, and how to protect themselves from being at risk of HIV. Fight stigma by breaking down the many myths surrounding HIV.
Fundraise: Get involved! There are many fundraising activitieswhich can raise vital funds for the National Aids Trust (NAT). Doing so will ensure NAT continues to champion the rights of people with HIV and campaign for policy change. Download NATs fundraising pack
Volunteer:NAT offer volunteering opportunities with the following teams in its central London office: administration, communications, finance, fundraising and policy/campaigns. If you are interested in volunteering with NAT, send them a message and they will try to match you with relevant upcoming opportunities.

To find out more about World Aid’s Day, visit National Aids Trust website.

Self Care Week: 5 simple ways you can boost your wellbeing today!

Healthy living isn’t just about what you eat for dinner or how often you’re in the gym. Taking time out to focus on yourself is essential to emotional and mental wellbeing. However, it isn’t always easy to fit in, especially if you’re juggling a busy home or professional life.

This self care week, take a look at these 5 simple things you can do for 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!)

2. Take a leisurely walk

A short walk around the block or your local park in the sunshine can help clear your mind of worries or distractions, and just focus on the ‘here and now’ for a while.

3. Listen to a feel-good playlist/podcast

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

4. Read a book or magazine

Taking the time out to read something for pleasure can help you relax. According to studies, reading for just six minutes a day is enough to reduce stress levels by up to 65%.

5. 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!

Changes to Pet Travel in the event of a ‘No-Deal’ Brexit

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has advised that should the UK leave the EU next year without a deal, pet owners wishing to travel to the EU will need to take some additional steps to be able to travel.

If you are planning to travel after 29 March 2019, you will need to contact your vet at least four months in advance of your travel date to make sure your pets are microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

Those wishing to travel to the EU on 30 March 2019, therefore, should discuss requirements with their vet as soon as possible and by 28 November 2018 at the latest.

The Government has published further guidance for pet owners on its website.

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

Calling all students at The College of Animal Welfare…

With Christmas just around the corner, if you’re planning on making a festive getaway this year, why not consider the Campus Vets and Pets luxury boarding kennels and cattery (based at our Leeds centre) for your pet?

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

Fully insured premises
An on-site veterinary practice and grooming facilities
24/7 CCTV security
Friendly and caring staff

All breeds of cat and dog are welcome, and Campus Vets and Pets offer discounts on multiple dogs, or multiple cats, from the same family. What’s more – as a student at The College of Animal Welfare, you can save 30% on all boarding stays this Christmas!

If you would like to book your pet in to stay at Campus Vets and Pets, call the boarding team on 0113 467 8650. To find out more about the facilities and view a pricing structure, please visit www.campusvetsandpets.co.uk/boarding

Vet Times is looking for SVN writers!

Vet Times is looking for student veterinary nurses (SVNs) to submit articles to the student section of its website.

They are looking for budding writers to provide content which is of interest to both current and prospective SVNs alike. This includes the experiences, successes and failures that come with studying veterinary nursing, extracurricular activites, and all the things that go hand-in-hand with being an SVN in the current economic and political climate!

Each post will receive remuneration based on a number of factors (content, length, commissioned topic, supporting material, etc) but will generally range from £20-£75. This will also allow authors who wish to commit to a series of shorter items the opportunity to do so, for which they would receive individual payment per post. Video blogs will also be considered.

Whether you want to air a personal opinion in a short blog post (350 words minimum), or fancy trying your hand at producing more in-depth content that involves a degree of research and/or specialist knowledge, find out more by contacting jackiemorrison@vbd.co.uk

Clinical Coach Congress 2019 open for registration!

We are delighted to announce that Clinical Coach Congress 2019, the UK’s largest conference dedicated solely to supporting clinical coaches and those involved in veterinary nurse training, is now open for registration!

Running from 18-19 March 2019, this year’s congress is moving to the wonderful East of England Arena and Events Centre in Peterborough. The East of England Arena is a multi-purpose events venue, offering generous conference space and state-of-the-art facilities. For those looking to stay overnight, discounted room rates are available to all delegates at the Marriot Hotel just five minutes away from congress.

This year’s event will include lectures on exam techniques, professional accountabilities, motivating students, coaching styles and the new veterinary nursing apprenticeship standard. Delegates will be able to speak to a variety of exhibitors from across the veterinary profession, and be part of the official launch of VetSkill’s new veterinary nursing qualification.

What’s more – Clinical Coach Congress is recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as clinical coach standardisation, meaning it is the ideal opportunity to network with fellow clinical coaches and can be counted towards CPD hours!

Be an early bird and book before 31 January 2019!

Delegates who book before 31 January 2019 will be able to attend both days of congress for the fantastic early bird price of just £249+VAT. A full event agenda, and further details about how to book, can be found at www.caw.ac.uk/ccc or by calling 01480 422060.

New! Online Equine Clinical Coach Training

Calling all clinical coaches!

We are delighted to announce that we now offer online Equine Clinical Coach Training.

The course is designed for veterinary nurses or surgeons who will be acting as clinical coach for student veterinary nurses within equine practice. The course will be particularly helpful for those struggling to arrange to take time out of practice for standardisation training. What’s more – the training is just £25!

For more information or to book onto the training please visit https://mooc.caw.ac.uk/

New! Online Veterinary Medicines Short Courses!

We are delighted to announce that a selection of online short courses covering veterinary medicines have been added to our growing portfolio of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

Perfect for Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) and those working in veterinary practice, the new short courses cover lipid infusions, parasiticides and what pet owners need to know about veterinary medicines.

The new courses (priced at £20) can be found and booked online at https://mooc.caw.ac.uk/ and are also available on the College’s CPD site under ‘Online CPD courses’.