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Craft project aims to improve mental wellbeing
Sarah first discovered the benefits of crafting when her mother gifted her a cross-stitch kit whilst she was studying for her GradDipAVN diploma. (Stock photo)
Veterinary professionals urged to take up crafts to de-stress

A new project by two veterinary nurses is encouraging members of the profession to take up crafts to improve mental wellbeing.

The Crafty Vet Project was started by RVNs Sarah Taylor and Zoe Daley. Sarah first discovered the benefits of crafting when her mother gifted her a cross-stitch kit whilst she was studying for her GradDipAVN diploma - and her stress levels were at an all-time high.

“One evening after a seriously rubbish working day and screwing up several essay drafts I picked the kit up,” she said. “I stitched a few squares, then I did a few more.

“After a couple of hours, I realised that I hadn’t thought of a single thing other than that pattern since I started, and it was bliss. I have been hooked on cross stitch ever since.”

Veterinary professionals can buy a range of different crafting kits online from the VN Pet Products site, including cross stitch, crochet, colouring, calligraphy and even kits to make beer, bath bombs, cheese and soaps.

The project is supporting Vetlife by donating £3 from the sale of every kit.

Sarah added: “We need to bring mental health out of the shadows. Vetlife is such a fantastic charity and one that the veterinary profession is in desperate need for.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.