Vets passionate about supporting others encouraged to apply
Vetlife, a UK mental health charity which provides support to the veterinary community is looking to appoint a new trustee to sit on its board. Trustees are expected to be ambassadors for the charity, and are presented with a unique opportunity to help shape the vital work of this organisation.
The charity provides support through three services: Vetlife Helpline, Vetlife Health Support and Vetlife Financial Support. All of these services are free, and teams can provide advice on all manner of mental health issues including: stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug misuse and eating disorders.
Independent of all other veterinary organisations, the charity is currently managed by a board of 11 elected trustees, all of whom are veterinary surgeons. Anyone wishing to become a trustee must first be a Vetlife member.
The role requires a considerable time commitment, along with attendance of four board meetings per year in London. Vetlife also employs a small team of staff, so trustees will often be asked to carry out operational as well as strategic work.
Vetlife trustee Danny Chambers said: “Given the unique challenges facing veterinary professionals it is vital that the mental health support is delivered by people who understand the specific issues facing those working within the veterinary industry.
“This is why Vetlife is so important. We are a mental health charity run by the veterinary community, for the veterinary community. Being a trustee of this charity is a very hands-on role, where you get to influence all aspects of the charity’s work. If you want to help support your friends and colleagues, this is a great and fulfilling way to give back to the profession.”
The deadline for submissions is 20 January 2020, with interviews being held in London on 3 February 2020.
Further information and the application form can be found on the Vetlife website.
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.
