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New app launched to support vets' mental wellbeing
"Developing an app that anyone can have in the palm of their hand, wherever they are, I believe will be more than just helpful; it will be life-saving." - Dr Mark Johnston, Vets in Mind Alliance founder.

Vets in Mind app provides resources and guidance for the whole profession

A new app has been launched to support the mental health and welfare of people working in the veterinary profession.

The Vets in Mind App – launched by not-for-profit the Vets in Mind Alliance – provides general information on a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and burn out.

It also offers advice on steps that a person can take to help themselves, a colleague or friends and family, including providing help line contact numbers for a number of countries.

Vets in Mind Alliance founder Dr Mark Johnston said: “Having experienced burn-out myself when working in at Rossdales in Newmarket and having also experienced the loss of my father who took his own life when I was 10 years old, I have long wanted to help members of our profession with something tangible and really supportive.

“Developing an app that anyone can have in the palm of their hand, wherever they are, I believe will be more than just helpful; it will be live-saving.”

The app is designed as a tool to help reduce the stigma of mental illness and provide support to all members of the veterinary profession who may be struggling.

The launch edition of the app contains:

  • more than 500 mental health resources including likes to Mind's A-Z of mental health conditions
  • videos and written stories detailing a variety of people's mental health experiences
  • help lines and contact points for more than 50 countries
  • a news section that is regularly updating with new research and initiatives
  • stress relief and relaxation tools
  • books and podcasts
  • links to other apps, blogs and organisations that may be of help.

The app is available for free on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It does not register user details to ensure anonymity.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.