“Emotional resilience is mainly a learned behaviour, however our level of resilience is not static..."

One-day courses are the result of a collaboration between MMI and BSAVA

A new emotional resilience course is being launched by the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative and the BSAVA.

The first of the one-day courses will be taking place in November this year. Titled ‘Emotional Resilience for the Veterinary Team’, they are designed to help participants understand the role emotional resilience plays in protecting our mental wellbeing.

MMI manager Lisa Quigley explained: “Emotional resilience is mainly a learned behaviour, however our level of resilience is not static, and we can take steps to increase our resilience and reduce our risk of developing mental health issues including clinical depression. This new programme is suitable for anyone who wishes to increase their own resilience and develop the ability to help others at work or at home.
 
“It is important to note that building resilience, particularly within the veterinary professions, is not about telling people that they should ‘put up’ with bad work environments – we are aware that so many veterinary practices take steps to ensure supportive and positive work environments for their teams.

"It is instead about giving individuals the tools to support and enable them to cope with the challenges that the veterinary professions bring – and this is what these new courses aim to do.”

Part one of the course focuses on emotional resilience, particularly within the veterinary professions, while part two looks at the life skills of highly resilient people, including listening, problem solving, managing emotions, building social capital and knowing how to get help.

Programme manager Mary Bannon, from PIPS Programmes CIC, who are delivering the training, said: “This workshop is designed for the whole practice team and encourages participants to work in groups.

"No personal disclosures are necessary during the course – although participants are very welcome to discuss private issues after the workshop. PIPS Programmes CIC are delighted to be part of this MMI and BSAVA initiative.”

The courses are free to BSAVA members or cost £40 (including VAT) for non-members. Find out more on the BSAVA website.