Mobility Mentor Training Course Dates
Both online and face to face workshops are held regularly throughout the year so that you can chose the options that suit you most.
Our next courses dates are:
Part 1: 19th March 2024 (Online)Part 2: 24th April 2024 (South)Part 1 (extended): 18th & 19th June 2024 (Cheshire)- Part 1: 31st October 2024 (Online)
- Part 2: 27th November 2024 (North)
To book your place visit our main CPD booking page here. To be added to the waiting list for the next course dates please email us at [email protected]
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.
Who can become a Mobility Mentor?
This course is open to anyone, however, only the following are able to become Mobility Mentors:
- Qualified vets with at least 12 months relevant experience
- CHCSB fully audited foot trimmers or Licenced NACFT trimmers (former Category 1)
- Farm consultants/advisers who have attended the Royal Agricultural University Level 4 course on Bovine lameness and professional cattle foot trimming
The Mobility Mentor training is designed to build upon a pre-existing sound and up-to-date knowledge about the lesions and aetiology of lameness. Therefore, we ask that before enrolling on Part One of the Mobility Mentor Training Programme delegates will have previously attended one of the following courses:
- BCVA Practical Lameness Solutions online course
- BCVA Advanced Lameness CPD course
- The Liverpool University CertAVP Module
- The 3 day Blowey/Bell Lameness Course
- ECBHM Lameness Module
- RAU Level 4 Bovine Lameness and Cattle Foot Trimming Course
There is also the option to attend a two day ‘Extended Part One’ which is held face-to-face as an alternative to attending one of the above courses.
Mobility Mentors must also be accredited with the Register of Mobility Mentors (RoMS) prior to being eligible to completing Part Two of the Mobility Mentor Training Programme.
New Mobility Mentor Training Programme
Mobility Mentor training consists of two separate parts which both must be undertaken in order to become a fully trained Mobility Mentor and be able to deliver the AHDB Healthy Feet Programme.
The Course Tutors
Nick Bell, Owen Atkinson and Sara Pedersen have many years experience between them in herd lameness control. They have recently been in charge of revamping the Healthy Feet Programme and developing the new HFLite approach and are recognised nationally and internationally for their expertise in this field. They are all experienced trainers and their workshops are engaging, popular and fun.
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.
Register of Mobility Mentors
An online register is kept of Mobility Mentors and these are the only people who are licensed to deliver the Healthy Feet Programme. A strong network of Mobility Mentors, supported by AHDB, is envisaged as an important plank of the UK’s drive to reduce lameness in dairy cattle. As champions of lameness reduction throughout the UK, farmers will be signposted towards these individuals to help them reduce lameness.
