AMR Awareness Charity Appeals For BSAVA Congress Volunteers

INFECTION control awareness charity The Bella Moss Foundation (BMF) is urgently appealing for volunteers to help at BSAVA Congress in April. The charity is appearing in Birmingham from April 9-11 (not exhibiting on the Sunday of Congress) to promote its work in helping pet owners and professionals dealing with cross-species antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as well as launching a new clinical audit tool for veterinary professionals to use in practice. It is searching for enthusiastic volunteers to act as communications officers to proactively represent the charity at its stand during congress. In return, volunteers will have access to the full congress exhibition, and the chance to work alongside some of the charity's clinical advisors, from emergency and critical care VN and lecturer Louise O'Dwyer to eminent veterinary academics including Edinburgh's Tim Nuttall and the RVC's David Lloyd. The charity was founded 10 years ago by pet owner and former journalist Jill Moss, after her dog Bella died of an MRSA infection. It works to raise awareness of AMR prevention and provides a 24/7 helpline for the general public, veterinary and medical professionals, works with industry and Government to produce pet owner resources and provides free CPD, all with very little funding. Calling for volunteers, BMF founder Jill Moss said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for any willing volunteers to be associated with a small but mighty charity that works across one health, with veterinary and medical professionals and with Government, and to play an important role in helping BMF spread its message of responsible use of antimicrobials and best practice to the very professionals on the front line of fighting AMR. “Every week the charity receives enquiries from vets and nurses in practice looking for help on practice hygiene or an ongoing AMR case and we are able to provide free expert clinical advice – however, the charity is entirely run by volunteers and at times like Congress we are especially in need of more manpower to help us exhibit.” She added: “A background in life sciences or veterinary or human medicine would be highly desirable, but if you're a self-starter with an enthusiastic and outgoing attitude we would love to have you as a stand volunteer.” BMF is flexible on what stand shifts volunteers work, however, the charity cannot pay for travel costs.

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