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MMI invites mental health researchers to apply for grant programme
The new grant programme follows the conclusion of the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant.
There are two grants available for mental health research.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS') Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has invited mental health researchers to apply for grants through its new veterinary mental health research grant programme.

The programme, launched yesterday, includes two research grants intended for projects which will positively impact mental health in the veterinary sector.

The first research grant, the Discovery Grant, is for £5,000. This is targeted to postgraduate or early career researchers wishing to launch small scale studies.

Meanwhile, the Impact Grant, for £15,000, is for more established researchers developing medium-sized projects.

Applications for the grants must be focused on one of MMI’s strategic areas for focus in 2024/2025. This includes veterinary suicide, veterinary mental health and inclusion, and veterinary leadership.

The new veterinary mental health research grant programme follows the conclusion of RCVS’ Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant.

The Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant was launched in honour of a former RCVS Council member and mental health advocate who passed away in 2017. Since 2019, MMI has provided £120,000 in research grants to support veterinary mental health.

Although the new programme will no longer be known as the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant, RCVS is keen to continue supporting those in the veterinary industry in its commitment to be a compassionate regulator.

In collaboration with British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support, RCVS conducted a Disability and Chronic Illness Survey. This revealed that 65.7 per cent of those who identified as having a mental health condition felt it impacted their life on a daily basis.

RCVS believes that this demonstrates a need for more research in the veterinary mental health research space.

Rapinder Newton, MMI lead, said: “We are looking for high quality research proposals that display relevance and originality; appropriateness, rigour and inclusiveness; feasibility; and potential for impact with clear outputs.

“Research has the power to create meaningful and long-term systemic change. So, as well as providing the initial funding for projects, we are keen to support our grant recipients throughout their entire research journeys, as far as is reasonable.

“Having the right support plays a key part in amplifying impact, so, whether that be through supporting with recruitment, producing press and media assets, providing insight into the veterinary professions, or general research dissemination, we aim to be a supportive funder.”

The deadline for applications is Monday, 7 October 2024. More information, and an application form, can be found here.

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. 

Click here for more...
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.