About the Healthy Feet Programme
The AHDB Healthy Feet Programme was first launched in 2011. It followed extensive research at Bristol University (The Healthy Feet Project) in how to successfully help farmers reduce their lameness. The HFP is delivered by Mobility Mentors who are specially trained in herd lameness control and advisory skills. Since then, AHDB-funded research has further enhanced our understanding of lameness reduction. The HFP has also been extensively “road tested”, demonstrating that it works. Now entering its second phase, a refreshed HFP offers better tools, clearer materials and new Mobility Mentor training.
New Mobility Mentor Training Programme
Mobility Mentor training consists of four separate modules which must all be undertaken in order to become a fully trained Mobility Mentor and be able to deliver the AHDB Healthy Feet Programme.
MODULE FOUR: Facilitation Skills
This will be a one-day, face to face, practical workshop to develop delegates’ facilitation skills and enable them to facilitate farm team meetings and the development of their Mobility Contract, and then how to follow this up with the farm team to ensure its successful implementation.
Following completion of Modules 1-3, delegates will be granted a ‘provisional Mobility Mentor licence’. A full delivery licence will be granted once delivery of at least one HFP or HFLite and completion of Module 4 within 12 months of the provisional licence being granted.
Key Learning Outcomes
On completion of all four modules, delegates will:
- Understand the importance of lameness in the dairy industry and the role of the vet in planned healthy feet management
- Have an in-depth knowledge of the most up to date research on lameness aetiology, risk factors and control points
- Understand the principles of the AHDB Healthy Feet Programme
- Develop enthusiasm and confidence to deliver the Healthy Feet Programme and HFLite to farmers
- Learn an effective approach to herd lameness investigation and control, including assessment of four key areas: infection pressure; hoof and horn quality; forces on feet and early detection, prompt effective treatment (EDPET)
- Learn new advisory and coaching skills to help farmers to develop and implement their plan.
