I am reaching out following the deeply upsetting incident at Huntingdon train station. We know this may have affected some of you directly or indirectly, and we want to acknowledge how unsettling such news can be. Please remember that you are not alone. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to, […]
The College of Animal Welfare News Blog
You Are Not Alone: Support After the Huntingdon Incident
Stress Awareness Week 2025: 3-7 November
International Stress Awareness Week is an annual event held from the 3rd – 7th November 2025, dedicated to raising awareness about stress, its impact, and how to manage it effectively. In today’s fast-paced world, stress can feel unavoidable—draining our energy, affecting our health, and taking a toll on our overall well-being. With 79% of adults […]
When Things Don’t Go to Plan: Supporting Struggling SVNs with Compassion and Clarity
Supporting student veterinary nurses (SVNs) on placement is one of the most rewarding roles in practice, but it’s not without its challenges. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a student begins to struggle. Whether it’s confidence, clinical skills, communication, or personal circumstances affecting performance, it can be difficult for clinical supervisors to know what to do […]
The Power Hour Returns: 60 Minutes to Level Up Your Leadership
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s Power Hour series, we’re thrilled to announce that The Power Hour is back for 2026! This popular series of hour-long leadership and coaching webinars is designed specifically for those working in veterinary practice who want to grow their leadership confidence, strengthen team performance, and develop their coaching skills […]
Give a Dog a Helping Paw: Volunteer with Dogs Trust
At Dogs Trust, volunteering is more than just lending a hand — it’s your chance to change the lives of rescue dogs across the UK. Whether you’re walking waggy tails at one of our rehoming centres, helping out in a charity shop, or supporting our work from the comfort of your own home, there’s a […]
New Accredited Course Now Available: City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Supporting Wellbeing and Mental Health of Self and Others
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Supporting Wellbeing and Mental Health of Self and Others — a nationally recognised qualification that offers 8 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and can help you better understand mental health, support your own wellbeing, and make a positive […]
OCD Awareness Week: 13-19 October 2025
OCD awareness week is an annual event held in the second full week of October to educate people about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), break stereotypes and encourage those affected to seek help. Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about OCD and challenge common misconceptions. What is obsessive compulsive disorder?OCD is often a misunderstood condition, that […]
The First 90 Days: How to Help SVNs Settle into Practice and Succeed
Taking on a student veterinary nurse (SVN) is a fantastic opportunity to support the next generation of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs). For many students, their placement is the first real taste of working in a veterinary practice setting. These early weeks are critical in shaping how they feel about the role, the profession, and their […]
Supervising an SVN? What you can and can’t expect from them
Supervising a student veterinary nurse (SVN) is a rewarding responsibility, but it can also raise questions about what’s appropriate to expect at each stage of their veterinary nurse training. Some students come in with a lot of confidence; others may be quiet, cautious, or unsure. Without clear expectations, it’s easy for SVNs to feel overwhelmed […]
Student Case Study: City & Guilds Dog Grooming – Joanne
Thank you to our former dog grooming student, Joanne Bolton, for talking to us about changing her career, and being so determined to qualify as a dog groomer despite her physical disabilities. We are so proud of you Joanne and all that you have achieved! I did the level 2 and 3 dog grooming at […]