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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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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk