Key topics will include creating routines and setting boundaries
A webinar to help veterinary students and student veterinary nurses look after their mental health during COVID-19 is taking place on Saturday (25 April).
The webinar entitled Calm in the Corona will explore some the common responses to uncertainty during the pandemic, focussing on how to recognise and nurture resources that do not lead to heightened anxiety or distress. Key topics will include creating routines, setting boundaries and how to seek social support while under quarantine.
The one-hour event is being led by the VetKind team, a collaboration between the Association of Veterinary Students of UK and Ireland and SkillsTree Training, and sponsored by the RCVS' Mind Matters initiative. Building on the work of previous VetKind conferences, it will ask students to share their COVID-19 experiences, ideas and successes with their colleagues.
“Although we’re all talking about social distancing right now, it’s more accurate to think of it as physical distancing. Social support is more important than ever, and webinars can be a really effective way to connect and work together on a common challenge,” commented Jenny Moffett, managing director of SkillsTree and VetKind facilitator.
“We know that many students may be facing heightened stress and anxiety right now as they worry about the impact the pandemic may have on their own and their family’s health, their education, their finances, their housing and so on. We hope that this webinar will provide some effective coping strategies and an opportunity to share fears and worries and find constructive solutions to them.”
Calm in the Corona’ takes place between 11 am and 12 noon on Saturday 25 April. To take part in the webinar, please register your interest by emailing avsvetkind@gmail.com
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
