BVNA announces collaboration with Vetlife
L-R: Rebecca Winter, BVNA mental health & wellbeing team co-ordinator and council member; Charlotte Pace, BVNA president; James Russell, Vetlife trustee.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vetlife that will enhance access to mental health support for veterinary nurses.
Under the MoU, BVNA and Vetlife will work collaboratively to support mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary community.
The announcement comes after BVNA president Charlotte Pace revealed Vetlife as her charity of choice for her presidential year during BVNA Congress. It also follows a recent revision of Vetlife's governing documents, making veterinary nurses eligible for full membership of the mental health charity.
Charlotte, a passionate supporter of veterinary nurses' mental health regardless of background or situations, said: “Selecting Vetlife as the chosen charity for my presidential year is a privilege because they provide an exceptional service for the veterinary profession.
“This is also perfect timing because in the last couple of months, the changes to the Vetlife Articles mean that registered veterinary nurses can become full Vetlife members, stand for nomination as Trustees, and apply for financial support.
“I am very proud to be part of the Vetlife and BVNA communities, so this collaboration is very dear to my heart. I have no doubt that the partnership between the BVNA and Vetlife will benefit the veterinary nursing profession and help improve the wellbeing of nurses for many years to come”.
Vetlife president Graham Dick welcomed the MoU, adding: “I am especially pleased that the recent changes to the Articles of Association of Vetlife have embraced the significance of veterinary nurses as an essential part of professional veterinary teams.
"This Memorandum of Understanding between Vetlife and the BVNA helps further to ensure that both our organisations can work closely together to enhance support for the veterinary nursing community.”
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. 
