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Vetlife seeks volunteers to help deliver financial aid
Last year, the charity provided over £100k in financial support.
The charity needs new area reps in three regions.

Vetlife is urgently seeking volunteers to help it deliver financial support to those who need it in the veterinary community.

The charity is looking for new area representatives for London, Northern Ireland, and the South East. The role involves working with new applicants and existing beneficiaries of Vetlife Financial Support to understand their circumstances and make sure they receive the right level of support.

Vetlife provides both initial training for its area representatives and annual on-going training for those already in the role. Current volunteers come from a range of veterinary backgrounds, including veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.

In 2023, the scheme provided more than £100k in aid to individuals and their dependants in the veterinary community. The support includes emergency assistance, regular monthly grants, and one-off gifts.

John Chitty, honorary secretary and chair of Vetlife Financial Support, said: “With a growing number of applicants for financial assistance, Vetlife has never had more need of area reps performing their essential role.

“Working on the ‘front line’ our reps work directly with beneficiaries and provide much needed support and assistance to vets and nurses in genuine financial, emotional and health need.”

Vetlife area representative Jim Kellow added: “I have been an area rep since 2020 and feel privileged to have been able to communicate with, and help, those that have found themselves in financial difficulties.

“The role doesn't demand too much of my time and as a result I feel I can genuinely help. The support for me in this role has been excellent.”

More information about the role, including how to apply, can be found on the Vetlife website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.