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Vet professionals offered free help with self-criticism
The course has been made available for free so as many people can benefit as possible.
Online compassion focused therapy course made available through Mind Matters.

A compassion focused therapy (CFT) course for veterinary professionals with high-levels of self-criticism has been made available for free on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) website.

Designed to address issues around self-critique and perfectionism, the course teaches veterinary professionals how to improve their self-compassion and reduce their self-criticism.

The course was developed at the University of Surrey by clinical psychologist Katherine Wakelin and trainee clinical psychologist Sarah Corthorne. The research, funded with a Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant from MMI, saw a randomised control trial used to study how effective the online CFT intervention was in improving the mental health of veterinary professionals.

Dr Wakelin said: “Our recent randomised control trial has shown the course to significantly improve resilience and self-compassion and reduce rumination and self-criticism amongst veterinarians.

“Therefore, Sarah and I are delighted to now be disseminating the CFT course freely to the veterinary profession, so that as many people as possible are able to benefit from the evidence-based resource.”

Dr Wakelin and Ms Corthorne will be hosting a free webinar about their research and the course from 7-8pm on Tuesday, 3 September.

MMI lead Rapinder Newton added: “Katherine and Sarah’s CFT course has been proven to be effective among vets and we are incredibly grateful to them for their generosity in allowing us to platform their course for free on our website.

“We know that mental health is complex and multifaceted, and while there is a fair bit of general research into effective interventions for those who may be struggling with their mental health, there isn’t much that has been specifically tailored and tested for those working in the veterinary professions.

“MMI is about impact, and we look forward to seeing just how much of a positive impact this course will have on the mental health of veterinary professionals.”

The course can be accessed here. Those wishing to attend the webinar can sign up on the Mind Matters events page.

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.