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MMI grant recipients to present VN findings
Faye Didymus (pictured) and Jackie Hargreaves explored how mental health is integrated into VN education.

The conference will explore mental wellbeing within higher education.

The recipients of the 2023 Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant are to present their research at a conference in Sheffield this month.

Faye Didymus and Jackie Hargreaves, both of Leeds Beckett University, will reveal the findings of their study into mental health education and its integration into veterinary nursing diplomas.

The Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference, run by AdvanceHE, is due to take place in Sheffield on 14 May. It is set to explore approaches to mental wellbeing in higher education, with a focus on how strategies might enhance the wellbeing of both staff and students.

It will also investigate institutional responses to reasonable adjustments, crisis management and trauma-informed teaching practices.

In their session, Dr Didymus and Dr Hargreaves will explain their MMI-funded research into how these principles can be integrated into veterinary nurse training.

The first stage of their project involved a scoping review of existing mental health education in the curriculum. Existing curriculum documents from education establishments were reviewed, and further information was sought from tutors through an online survey.

The second stage saw them conduct a deep exploration of mental health education and experiences. Researchers had interviews with SVNs, VN tutors and qualified VNs before the data was triangulated and a thematic analysis conducted.

Their findings explored the experiences of interviewees during their education, as well as later in practice. Researchers assessed how these findings could inform future veterinary nursing curricula.

The data is now being used to generate recommendations for mental health education. It is hoped that the recommendations will support students in further education, higher education, in placements and later in their future careers.

As well as presenting the results at the Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference, Dr Didymus and Dr Hargreaves will also present their findings at the MMI Mental Health Research Symposium in Birmingham in October 2025.

Read more about the Mental Wellbeing in HE Conference on its website.

Image © RCVS

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.