13th – 17th February 2023

Vetlife was selected as BVNA’s Charity of the Year for 2022-2023 by our current President, Charlotte Pace. We recognise the invaluable work that Vetlife do to ensure there is support in place for anyone in the veterinary community in difficulty. Knowing that there is someone available to talk to, at whatever time of day, is a lifeline for veterinary professionals.

We are inviting all BVNA members and the wider veterinary nursing community to raise funds to support Vetlife’s important work. Between Monday 13th and Friday 17th February 2023, we will be celebrating the BVNA ‘Have a Heart Week’ – and we’d love for you to join us by donating or creating a fundraising event of your own!

Charlotte Pace RVN, BVNA President, says:

“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”.

Have a Heart Week – what’s on?

Here are some of the events and resources you can look forward to between 13th – 17th February 2023. These are all free to access, all we ask is that you consider making a donation to Vetlife.

Webinars with Rosie Allister, Vetlife Helpline Manager

We are so pleased to be joined by Rosie for Have a Heart Week, who will be delivering webinars on the following topics:

  • Monday 13th February, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Supporting colleagues, and practising self-compassion. Two core ideas for vet nurses managing wellbeing.

Veterinary nurses are hugely skilled and experienced in caring for patients and clients, but self-compassion can feel much more challenging. This session looks at what self-compassion is, why it’s important for professionals and what we can do. The session also thinks about supporting colleagues, and what to do if you’re worried about someone.

Register here.

  • Thursday 16th February, 7.30pm – 8.30pm

More than counting sheep: what veterinary nurses need to know about wellbeing, night work, and sleep.

Getting enough good quality sleep underpins every aspect of physical and mental health. We cannot function properly when sleep deprived. Sleep is a key wellbeing issue, as well as important in patient safety. Yet veterinary nursing often requires disrupted sleep through night shifts or on call as part of our work. Standard sleep hygiene advice might not always feel relevant to professionals who night work, but there are things which can help. This session looks at the evidence about sleep and night working, and what we can do.

Register here.

Dr Rosie Allister BSc (Hons) BVSc MSc PhD MRCVS

Valentine’s Night Quiz

We know that for a number of reasons Valentine’s Day can be difficult for many people. Join us on Tuesday 14th February at 7.30pm for a fun and uplifting alternative – you can join on your own, or why not form a team! Register here, or join us on Facebook Live.

And more…

Throughout the week we will share blogs and resources relating to wellbeing in leadership positions, plus shared experiences of mental health within the veterinary nursing community. Keep an eye on the BVNA website and social media for more information!

What Vetlife do

Vetlife delivers three vital support services:

Vetlife offers emotional support to everyone in the veterinary community via an independent, confidential 24/7/365 Vetlife Helpline.

Vetlife Health Support is here to offer help to those in the veterinary community who are experiencing mental health difficulties, including, but not limited to:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • alcohol and drug misuse
  • eating disorders

There are times in many of our lives when we run into financial difficulties. Vetlife provides tailored financial support to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and their dependants through emergency assistance, regular monthly grants, bungalow accommodation in Dorset and more.

Find out more at www.vetlife.org.uk

How to donate

Please ensure you donate your funds via BVNA’s JustGiving page – this means we can ensure your kind contribution is part of our grand total!

Look out for more fundraising hints and tips to come – we look forward to celebrating #BVNAHaveAHeartWeek with you!