FIVP supports veterinary wellness weekend
WellVet Weekend is dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) is lending its support to an initiative designed to improve the wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
The initiative, WellVet Weekend, will see vets and vet nurses gather in Cambridge to take part in sporting activities, yoga, wellbeing workshops and social events.
“We are delighted to be supporting this unique wellbeing event,” said an FIVP spokesperson. “WellVet Weekend gives vets and nurses the opportunity to relax and recharge, which is important for mental health and personal development.
“Research shows that when we make time for ourselves, we become happier and more productive. This leads to improved decision-making and helps us to better manage stressful situations.”
Taking place at Girton College, Cambridge (24-26 August), the event will culminate in a gala dinner hosted by Rob Rope, also known as the ‘real-life’ Forrest Gump’.
Rob is an emergency vet by night and a marathon runner by day. He is the first person to have ever run across the USA five times in one year and is the proud owner of a Guinness World Record for the fastest male marathon runner in a film character costume.
"I love sport and I love this profession, so it's fantastic to be able to organise a weekend dedicated to the physical and mental wellbeing of vets and vet nurses,” said Liz Barton, Founder of Vetsnet. “It promises to be a brilliant weekend, and I’m excited to have Rob Pope join us to share his stories from the road.”
VetLed founding partner Ruth Clements said the organisation was excited to create a community which gives veterinary professionals a chance to thrive.
“The WellVet Weekend is a very special concept with a core mission that we wholeheartedly believe in,” she said. “We hope we can make a long-lasting positive difference to those who attend the first WellVet Weekend.”
FIVP is a not-for-profit association of independently-owned veterinary practices with services centered around the needs of its members.
For information about the WellVet Weekend and to buy your ticket, visit www.wellvet.co.uk
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
