Upcoming week will see focus on VN mental health.
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has announced that it will be hosting 'Have a Heart Week' – a campaign to bring attention to the charity Vetlife, which supports veterinary mental health.
Running from Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February 2023, the campaign will raise funds for Vetlife, and will provide resources and events for veterinary nurses to get involved in the conversation surrounding mental health and wellness in the veterinary sphere.
BVNA president Charlotte Pace RVN discussed the collaboration: “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.”
Throughout Have a Heart Week, the BVNA will be sharing blogs, experiences and resources on mental wellbeing within the veterinary nursing community, and will be hosting the following events:
• Monday 13th February 7.30pm – Supporting colleagues, and practising self-compassion: Two core ideas for vet nurses managing wellbeing. Webinar with Rosie Allister, Vetlife Helpline Manager
• Tuesday 14th February 7.30pm – Valentine’s Night Quiz, with prizes kindly sponsored by Heart Vets
• Wednesday 15th February – Combatting loneliness in leadership positions. A pre-recorded discussion panel with Lyndsay Hughes RVN, Alex Taylor RVN and Jo Oakden RVN.
• Thursday 16th February 7.30pm – More than counting sheep: what veterinary nurses need to know about wellbeing, night work, and sleep. Webinar with Rosie Allister, Vetlife Helpline Manager.
All events and resources will be free, but the BVNA is encouraging members to make a small contribution to Vetlife via BVNA's JustGiving page.
Charlotte continued: “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.”
Further information on the campaign, including registration for the webinars, can be accessed on the BVNA website.
Image (C) BVNA
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. 
