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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

Click here for more...
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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.