Author Archives: Amber Tennant

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

Mental Health Awareness Week Activities for Students and Staff (15-21 May 2023)

This Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21 May 2023), we’re excited to share we will be running a variety of activities in centre for our students, as well as providing resources and wellbeing opportunities throughout the week. Read on to find out what we have planned…

Take part in our lunchtime activity sessions for students and staff

Whether it’s curling up with a good book or exploring the great outdoors, it’s important to take time out to focus on self-care. With this in mind, we will be holding a series of lunchtime activity sessions over the course of the week (15-19 May 2023) at our centres, which are open to all students and staff to take part in! Whether you’d like to bring a book to our book swap, or sit down for a mindful colouring session, there is something for everyone.

Please check below to see what activities will be taking place at your centre. We can’t wait to see you there!

Huntingdon centre

  • Colouring
  • Book exchange
  • Jigsaws
  • Crochet

Monday 15th May: 12.15pm-1.15pm, Lecture Room 109
Tuesday 16th May: 12.15pm-1.15pm, Meeting Room 5
Wednesday 17th May – Friday 19th May: 12.15pm-1.15pm, Lecture Room 109

Leeds centre

  • Colouring
  • Book exchange
  • Jigsaws

Monday 15th May – Friday 19th May: Arena at lunchtime

North London centre

  • Colouring
  • Book exchange

Monday 15th May – Friday 19th May: 12:15pm-1pm, Library 

Wigan centre

  • Colouring
  • Knitting
  • Felting

Monday 15th May – Wednesday 17th May: Colouring, 12pm-1pm, Student Common Room
Thursday 18th May – Friday 19th May: Felting and Knitting, 12pm-1pm, Student Common Room

Book a wellbeing chat with our mental health working group

Have you got something on your mind and would like someone to talk to? To make sure we can provide as much support as possible, we’re also offering virtual sessions throughout the week, for any student who would like to have a wellbeing chat with a member of our mental health support group. To book a wellbeing chat, simply email our Learning Support Team at learningsupport@caw.ac.uk to arrange a time that works for you.

Come to our stand and learn more about the wellbeing support we offer

At The College of Animal Welfare and CAW Business School, we offer a variety of resources and services to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing, that you can access free of charge. Pop over to our stands in centre at any time throughout the week (15-19 May 2023), to learn more about what we offer. We can tell you more about Fika, Togetherall, CAW counselling services and much more!

Emergency Alerts

Emergency Alerts

The government has launched a new emergency alert system that will allow urgent messages to be rapidly transmitted to mobile phones and tablets in a defined area.

Alerts will be sent by the emergency services or government departments, agencies and public bodies, where there is a risk to life.  This could be, for example, in the event of severe flooding, fires, or extreme weathers.

Personal privacy will not be affected as the alerts do not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data.  The UK government does not need your phone number, to send you the alert.

When your device receives the alert, it will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for up to 10 seconds.  This will be accompanied by a notification on your home screen, which may include telephone numbers or website link to the GOV.UK website for more information.

What you need to do

When you get an alert, you should stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.

If you are driving, you should continue to drive and not respond to the emergency alert or attempt to pick up the mobile phone and deal with the message.

You should find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message.

If there is nowhere safe or legal to stop close by, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, tune into live radio and wait for bulletins until you can find somewhere safe and legal to stop.

Emergency Test

This new system will go live on Sunday 23 April and will be tested at 3pm that day.

Some people, such as those living with domestic abuse who may have a phone hidden in their house, or those with sound sensitive companion animals that will become highly distressed by a loud siren, may wish to turn their phone off completely during this time.

Checking you can receive the alerts

Emergency alerts work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. 

They can be received by iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later and Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later. 

You will not receive the alert if your mobile is switched off, in airplane mode, connected to a 2G or 3G network, connected to Wi-Fi only, or incompatible.

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted

If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert.

Alert languages

Emergency alerts will be sent in English. In Wales, they may also be sent in Welsh.

Opting out of emergency alerts

People who do not wish to receive the alerts will be able to opt out in their device settings. 

This may apply to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, who’s silent or secret mobile phones are reassuring lifelines, or those with sound sensitive companion animals, who will become highly distressed by a loud siren.

To opt out of the alert service on an iPhone:

  • To opt out, go to settings, click on ‘notifications’, scroll to the bottom of the page to find ‘Emergency Alerts’, tap the toggle to switch off ‘Extreme Alerts’ and ‘Severe Alerts’ – green means ‘on’ and grey means ‘off’. 
  • If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer. 
  • For further advice go to gov.uk/alerts/opt-out

Opt Out Android phones and tablets:

  • To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe alerts and Emergency alerts.
  • On Huawei devices running EMUI 11 or older, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off “Extreme threats”, “Severe threats” and “Show amber alerts”
  • If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.

Vets Now Ethnic Diversity Nursing Scholarship open for applications

Applications are open for the Vets Now Ethnic Diversity Nursing Scholarship.

Successful candidates will be awarded an annual grant of £2,500 for the duration of their course, mentoring from the Vets Now ethnic diversity scholarship board members and a support network to help them through their studies. 

In order to apply for the scholarship, you must be a UK or EU citizen who self-identifies as being from an ethnic minority, and applying to enter one of the UK or ROI nursing colleges on a course accredited with the RCVS as a ‘licence to practice’ in veterinary nursing for this years’ intake.

All applications must be completed and received in full by May 31st 2023. 

You can find out more and apply for the scholarship programme here.

Clinical Coach Congress 2023

Clinical Coach Congress is back in July, and tickets are on sale now!

Clinical Coach Congress is back on Wednesday 5th July 2023, and is now open for registrations! 

Clinical Coach Congress is a unique conference dedicated purely to supporting clinical coaches and those involved in veterinary nurse training. Here’s why you should come along…

  • You’ll gain 7 hours CPD from the comfort of your own home
  • Expert speakers will deliver a range of insightful online lectures
  • There will be a chance to ask questions during live Q&A sessions
  • A range of exhibitors will be showcasing their products/services
  • Recordings of all the lectures will be accessible online up until the next congress
  • We will send you an event pack, full of snacks and surprise goodies
  • If you book before 12 May 2023, you can attend at a discounted rate

Book online now

Gain useful advice and guidance to help you grow in your role as a clinical coach

Whether you are a new or aspiring clinical coach, or have been one for many years, our annual conference offers a unique opportunity to develop the key role you play in the professional development of your students. Join us this Summer to hear more about:

  • Establishing a Successful Mentoring Relationship
  • A Crash Course in Confidence – For You and Your Student
  • Updates to the VN Qualification and a Masterclass for the New ePortfolio
  • How to Support Your Student with their Revision – Tips and Tricks to Help Your Student Succeed
  • Preparing Students for OSCEs – The Mental Game

Download the agenda

Enjoy a virtual programme delivered by professional speakers

We’re excited to introduce an amazing line up of speakers for our next event! Our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to congress, and you’ll get the opportunity to pick their brains during live Q&A sessions. Take part in the virtual event on Wednesday 5 July and listen to lectures from…

  • Alice Hewitt BVetMed(Hons) MA PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS from Alice Hewitt Coaching
  • Dr Libby Kemkaran-Thompson MA VETMB MRCVS from Kemkaran Consulting Ltd
  • Jennifer Scrimshaw RVN from The College of Animal Welfare
  • Meg Richards FdSc RVN Canine Hydrotherapist
  • Catherine Rolfe Grad Dip VN RVN FHEA

Read more about our speakers

Save £60 on your ticket to Clinical Coach Congress by registering before 12 May 2023!

If you book your place by 12 May 2023, you can attend congress for the discounted Early Bird price of just £125+VAT – saving you £60!

Book your place now

BSAVA Handbook of Veterinary Nursing available on CAW eLibrary

BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing now available on our eLibrary

We’re excited to announce the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing 6th Edition is now accessible on our eLibrary, giving our students free, 24/7 digital access to this core textbook for the first time!

This handbook continues to be a classic core textbook for veterinary nursing students and a helpful resource for qualified nurses, introducing a range of key veterinary nursing skills and theory. We are thrilled to be able to offer our students and staff digital access to this important resource.

In order to view the textbook, students simply need to enter our new eLibrary ‘Kortext’, which is accessible via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  

To access the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing 6th Edition eBook:

  • Click on the Kortext Icon located in the right side bar of the VLE
  • Search for and Select ‘The College of Animal Welfare’ from the drop down box 
  • Enter your VLE (Moodle) ID number and password

You should now be able to view the textbook in the library. 

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the helpdesk.

CAW Open Days

Are you interested in studying at CAW? Join us for one of our Open Days…

We’re delighted to announce we’re restarting our face-to-face open days! We have the following open days coming up…

  • Wednesday 26 April 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Huntingdon
  • Tuesday 9 May 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Leeds
  • Tuesday 23 May 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Edinburgh
  • Wednesday 12 July 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Huntingdon
  • Wednesday 18 October 2023 from 6pm-8pm – Huntingdon

During our open days, you’ll be able to view the facilities, meet some of our tutors, ask any questions you may have, and find out about our courses and what it is like to study with us.

Whether you’re interested in working with animals (such as becoming a veterinary nurse or a dog groomer), or looking to undertake a business-related course (such as AAT accountancy or business administration) join us to discover how we can help you plan for your future – it’s completely free to attend.

Please register your attendance to let us know you’ll be coming along. We can’t wait to see you there!

Register your attendance here

Dog Grooming Congress 25 June

You’re invited to Dog Grooming Congress on Sunday 25 June 2023!

We’re delighted to invite you to join us at our *new* Dog Grooming Congress, taking place at our Huntingdon centre on Sunday 25 June (9.30am-4.30pm).

Sponsored by Mutneys Professional Pet Care, Dog Grooming Congress is a one day event exploring all aspects of dog grooming; from the many different responsibilities, to the challenges that come with the role.

Aimed specifically at both new and experienced dog groomers, attendees will be able to listen to lectures by expert speakers in the dog grooming industry, and gain valuable knowledge and inspiration to take back to the dog grooming salon. 

Boost your dog grooming skills with our programme of live demos and presentations

On the day, we’ll be welcoming a fantastic line up of expert speakers and industry exhibitors, for a jam-packed day full of exciting live demos, Q&As and presentations. Agenda highlights include:

  • Asian Fusion Demo and Q&A by A-list dog groomer Vasileios Barlos
  • The Business of Pet Grooming lecture by animal business experts Bill Betts (Pet Passion to Profit) and Vicky Clark (The Pet Accountant)
  • Showing Poodles Demo by Allison and Morgan Taite-Shoosmith, two time winner of Groomer of the Year and Top Junior Handler at Crufts 2022
  • Competition Grooming in Doubles Demo by award winning dog groomers Vic Harwin & Jodie Stevenson
  • Kind Hands presentation by Julie Harris, lifetime achievement award winner for services to the dog grooming industry in 2021
  • Introducing Reiki into Your Salon presentation by Rob Fellows of Rob Fellows Reiki
  • Ttouch for Groomers presentation by Tina Constance from Telling Ttouch Training

View and download the agenda

Gain product knowledge and offers from our exhibitors

A variety of industry exhibitors will be joining us at Dog Grooming Congress, to showcase the fantastic products and services they have to offer. Come along to gain information, product information and offers! Exhibitors so far include Mutneys Professional Pet Care, Harris and Hargraves, Rob Fellows Reiki, WildWash, Pet Passion to Profit and many more.

View all our exhibitors 

Book your place for just £60!

For more information about Dog Grooming Congress, including details about how to book online, visit our website. 

Rabbits and Small Furries Congress Image

Rabbits and Small Furries Congress is back by popular demand on Thursday 30 March 2023!

After a successful launch last year, Rabbits and Small Furries Congress returns to screens on Thursday 30 March with a fresh agenda to enjoy! If you want to know more, here’s what this years’ virtual congress has to offer:

  • 7 hours of specially curated CPD all about the care of rabbits and small furries
  • 5 brilliant lectures on common rabbit conditions, guinea pig welfare, ferret nursing and more
  • Professional speakers from LagoLearn Ltd, Association of Zoo & Exotic Veterinary Nurses, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital and more
  • Opportunities to ask questions live and network with fellow delegates and exhibitors
  • An event goodie bag with surprise gifts, plus a lunch/dinner voucher provided
  • Can’t make it on the day? Lecture recordings will be pinged out to delegates after the event

If you hop on over to our website early and register before 3 February, we’ll apply our Early Bird discount to your booking, saving you £60!

Find out more and book now

Learn more about the care of rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and other small mammals

Our agenda for Rabbits and Small Furries Congress has dropped, and we can’t wait to watch it in March! Join us virtually on Thursday 30 March, to hear from expert speakers and pick up 7 hours of CPD. Programme highlights include…

  • Bonding Rabbits – And why all bunnies need a buddy!
  • Common Rabbit Conditions
  • Welfare Minded Dental Disease Management in Rabbits and Small Mammals
  • Common Differences in Caring for Guinea Pigs
  • Nursing the Ferret Patient in Practice

With our Early Bird discount available until 3 February, now is the best time to book as you will save £60 on your ticket!

Download the agenda

Enjoy a virtual programme delivered by professional speakers

We’re excited to introduce an amazing line up of speakers for our next event! Our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to congress, and you’ll get the opportunity to pick their brains during live Q&A sessions. Take part in the virtual event on Thursday 30 March and listen to lectures from…

  • Abigail Edis RVN FdSc CertVNES from Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, The Royal Veterinary College (RVC)
  • Anna Mercer RVN APVN from Anna The Ferret Nurse
  • Claire Speight RVN, A1, C&G Cert VNES, Editor of The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund’s magazine Rabbiting On
  • Jo Hinde-Megarity RVN, co-owner of LagoLearn Ltd
  • Matthew Rendle RVN from The Association of Zoo & Exotic Veterinary Nurses

Find out more about our speakers

Get a discount on your ticket to Rabbits and Small Furries Congress

If you book your place at Rabbits and Small Furries Congress before Friday 3February 2023, you can attend for the early bird price of just £125+VAT, and save £60!

Book now and save £60

Rehab Congress 2023

Rehab Congress is back this February, and tickets are on sale now!

Rehab Congress is back on Thursday 9 February 2023, and tickets are on sale now!

Listen to valuable lectures about physiotherapy for the post-operative spinal patient, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, how to manage canine osteoarthritis, orthoses in small animal practice, and much more, at our next virtual congress all about veterinary rehabilitation!

With expert speakers from the field sharing their expertise and opportunities to network with fellow delegates, this is the perfect chance to keep up to date with industry developments and pick up 7 hours of valuable CPD.

Register before 16 December to take advantage of our Early Bird discount and attend for just £125+VAT.

Find out more and book now

Our agenda for Rehab Congress 2023 is now live!

Rehab Congress offers the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of different veterinary rehabilitation techniques and disciplines. You’ll be able to listen to expert speakers, network with fellow veterinary nurses and come away with 7 hours of valuable CPD!

Here’s what you can expect to learn about at our next Rehab Congress:

  • Physiotherapy for the Post-operative Spinal Patient
  • Brace Yourself – Orthoses in Small Animal Practice
  • Developments in Managing Canine Osteoarthritis
  • Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Animals
  • Massage Therapy for the Veterinary Nurse

Download the agenda

Meet the speakers presenting at Rehab Congress 2023…

We’re beyond excited to announce the lineup of speakers for our next virtual Rehab Congress, who will be hosted by our event chair, Claire Hobson, Head of Veterinary Studies at CAW. Read more about our speakers here…

  • Diane Messum MCSP HCPC BSc(Hons) MSc VetPhysio ACPAT Cat A RAMP from Davies Veterinary Specialists
  • Emily Ashdown RVN, A DIP PHYS, CSMC. RAMP. MIAAT from Companion Animal Health
  • Fiona Doubleday BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapist from Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd
  • Hannah Capon MA Vet MB MRCVS from Canine Arthritis Management (CAM)
  • Katie Lawrence V Phys, PGCert Vet Ed (RVC), FHEA, PGCert Eq Rehab & Performance, AHPR Registered from Animal Rehabilitation and Health Academy

Read more about our speakers

Save £60 on your ticket with our Early Bird discount!

If you book your place at Rehab Congress before Friday 10 December 2021, you can attend for the early bird price of just £125+VAT, and save £60!

Book now and save £60

Veterinary Nursing Satellite Centres

Our veterinary nurse training is expanding to new locations, and applications are open now!

In our biggest expansion of veterinary nurse training to date, this year we’re offering the option to study our Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from FIVE new satellite centres, starting in 2023. Our equine veterinary nurse training is also expanding to TWO new satellite centres. Take a look if we’re coming to a place near you and find out more about our training…

Our satellite centre locations

Make sure to keep an eye on our social media, as we’ll be putting the spotlight on our new satellite centres in the coming weeks. We’re also delighted to say we’re open for intakes starting in January, April and June 2023, with September to follow shortly! With a new year fast approaching, could 2023 be the year you begin an exciting new journey towards a career in veterinary nursing? 

Veterinary nursing is a natural career path for those who wish to make a real difference to the lives of animals every single day. Throughout our courses you will cover the key skills and knowledge required of a VN, as well as gain practical experience in a veterinary practice. Courses from our satellite centres will be delivered on a blended virtual learning basis. For the blended virtual learning format you will receive a combination of lectures, independent online learning activities and practical skills sessions.

Apply to study veterinary nursing | Apply to study equine veterinary nursing

Follow us on social media to hear more about our satellite centres

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