Ensuring the welfare of trainee vets

Students at The University of Nottingham and the Association of Veterinary Students (AVS) have joined forces to ensure the welfare of the next generation of UK vets. Working alongside a wide range of charities, veterinary organisations and School staff, the Nottingham AVS Welfare Day held on Wednesday 24 October, has been organised to raise awareness of the huge support network in place throughout the five year course. Junior AVS Rep for Nottingham, William Bayton, explained: "Veterinary medicine can be a very stressful profession. The long-hours, busy schedule and difficult decisions can all build up to really impact the individual, which is why stress and depression is so common among vets. Support network "The same can be said for vet students; sometimes it feels like your whole life is a combination of exams and lectures, which is why it is crucial that the students here are aware of the huge support network in place to get them through any issues. "Veterinary medicine is a fantastic course, we get to do some amazing practical's and learn really interesting skills so it would be a great shame if this was impacted by feelings of stress or isolation. Hopefully that is where AVS can help." After the chance to speak to the Samaritans, the Students' Union's LGBT network and Financial Support, students will be able to try their hand at yoga and hear a talk from the AVS president, a mental-health support worker and a representative from the charity Vetlife.