RCVS to extend Mind Matters Initiative
Mind Matters will continue to donate £100k per year to mental health support charity VetLife.
The RCVS has announced that it is to extend its Mind Matters initiative on a rolling three-year basis and that it will increase funding to £250k per year.
In a press release, the College said the investment will allow the project to continue to address and improve mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary profession.
Plans to extend the initiative were put forward by Professor Stuart Reid, chair of Mind Matters, at a meeting of RCVS Council on Thursday (27 September). The project was initially given three years of funding at £200k per year, but Council unanimously voted in favour of the proposal to switch to a rolling three-year agreement.
The RCVS said that Mind Matters will continue to donate £100k per year to mental health support charity VetLife. The remaining £150k will be spent on other initiatives, such as providing research, training and a culture-change programme.
Commenting on the extension, Professor Stuart Reid said: “I’m both delighted and immensely grateful that Council has demonstrated their support for Mind Matters unanimously and so generously. Their commitment to our mission will allow us to take the initiative to the next level and, importantly, continue to assess the impact of our work.”
Mind Matters runs joint mental health awareness courses in tandem with the BSAVA, mental health for managers courses with the Veterinary Management Group and the Joint Wellbeing Awards with the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons. In January 2017, Mind Matters launched the “&me” de-stigmatising campaign with the Doctors Support Network at the House of Commons.
Since its launch in 2015, Mind Matters has run 45 mental health awareness courses, spoken at more than 50 external conferences and events and hosted many other conferences and activities. It said that during this period there has been a 500 per cent increase in calls to the Vetlife, demonstrating a reduction in the stigma about seeking help.
An RCVS spokesperson said: ‘This further funding will ensure the Mind Matters Initiative can continue to build on its success, highlighting the importance of individual well-being and seeking to ‘prevent, protect and support’ all members of the veterinary team.’
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.
