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Funding boost for Vetlife Helpline
Katie Moore (Vetlife Trustee) and Geoff Little (Vetlife President) gratefully accept the donation from Tim Hutchinson, XLVets Director.

Money will further enhance specialist service

A charity that provides emotional, financial and mental health support to the veterinary community has received a funding boost towards its helpline.

XLVets has donated £10,000 to the Vetlife Helpline which provides confidential emotional support by telephone or email.   

Run by volunteer vets and nurses, the helpline provides a confidential, non-judgemental listening service, giving people time and space to talk.

Welcoming the donation, Dr Rosie Allister, Vetlife Helpline manager, said: “This generous gift from XLVets will enable us to improve the specialist email Helpline platform, by which we offer complete anonymity to those who contact us for independent support.

“With 864 email contacts made to Helpline last year, e-mail is now the most common way that people access Vetlife, and by which our trained volunteers respond.”

XLVets’ decision to donate to Vetlife was made during their annual general meeting in Bristol last month.

Vetlife president Geoff Little took time out from the Vetlife AGM to gratefully receive the donation from Tim Hutchinson, partner at Larkmead Vets and XLVets director.

Speaking about the decision to direct the donation to Vetlife, Jane Simpson, people development manager for XLVets said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to give something back to Vetlife. The information, support and resources they provide to XLVets practices form a key part of our "Thriving in Practice" initiative.

“The fact that this money will enable Vetlife to further enhance its independent Helpline service is just amazing. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Vetlife, who provide such valuable support across our industry”.

If you need support please contact Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or email Vetlife via www.vetlife.org.uk

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.