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Brits hoard clothes while shop donations fall
Gok Wan
Gok has donated a pair of Jean Paul Gautier jeans he wore on Comic Relief The Apprentice.

PDSA launches Vet Your Clothes campaign to boost stock

Over 50 per cent of people in Britain are hoarding clothes they don't wear, while stock donations to PDSA charity shops has fallen by 13 per cent, according to new research.

An online survey commissioned by the veterinary charity found 56 per cent of people over the age of 16 are holding on to items that could be worth millions to charity, despite the fact they don't fit, don't suit them or were a fashion fad.

The poll also found more than 25 per cent of people to take part were throwing their unwanted clothes in the bin rather than donating them.

Meanwhile, donations to PDSA's shops has fallen by more than 10 per cent in the past four years.

"This is leaving us short of the goods to sell in our shops, which means less money to fund our Pet Hospitals,” said Philip Klette, the charity's head of retail.

"Many charities have noticed a decline in donated stock levels over the past few years but people might not realise that, just by clearing out a few unworn items, you could make a massive difference to PDSA."

In a bid to try to boost its stock donations, the charity is launching a Vet Your Clothes campaign, which has already won support from celebrities including fashion guru Gok Wan and comedian Russell Kane.

Gok has donated a pair of Jean Paul Gautier jeans he wore on Comic Relief The Apprentice. He said: "If you haven’t worn something in the past year, the likelihood is that you never will, so please do something amazing and support PDSA.

"As a dog owner myself, I know just how much pets mean to people so please do what you can to help PDSA treat sick and injured pets."

PDSA is encouraging people to donate unwanted items to their nearest shop or Pet Hut store, and show their support on social media using #vetyourclothes.

Image courtesy of PDSA

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.