Craft project aims to improve mental wellbeing

Posted: 2019-05-07

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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Registrations open for overseas veterinary professionals course

Registrations are now open for the RCVS CPD course for overseas veterinary professionals, which covers an introduction to the UK veterinary professions.

The course is aimed at overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons and nurses during their first two years of working in the UK, in addition to those considering working here. It provides graduates with the key information and skills required to practice in the UK, as well as helping them understand their legal duties as veterinary professionals.

For more information and to book your place please click here. The course will be held at Belgravia House, London, on Wednesday 12 June.

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BVA launches award to celebrate young vets

A new award has been launched to celebrate inspirational young vets who are making a difference in their day to day work.

Nominations are now open for the BVA Young Vet of the Year Award, which is the first of its kind. It is open to all vets registered with the RCVS in the first eight years of their careers, working in any veterinary sphere, including clinical practice, research, education or veterinary politics. Organisers are looking for an �exceptional young vet� whose work has benefitted the veterinary community or the workplace.

The awards are open for self-entry and nominations by 1 August 2019. The winner will be announced at London Vet Show on 14 November 2019, where a �1000 cash prize will be awarded, alongside a �career enhancing experience� with Zoetis.