Competition launched to enhance veterinary wellbeing
"Now is the perfect time to be thinking a little more innovatively about how we look after ourselves and each other" - Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters manager.
A competition to encourage veterinary practices to be innovative in looking after team wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched by the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative.
The Innovation in Wellbeing challenge encourages practices to find new and innovative ideas for how the veterinary team can enhance mental health and wellbeing during the crisis.
Up to 10 prizes of £300 each are available to teams from across the UK to help other practices boost morale, support each other and encourage a sense of togetherness during this difficult time.
“The Innovation in Wellbeing competition recognises that, due to the lockdown and social distancing, many members of the profession will be unable to undertake some of those usual activities that help them improve their wellbeing – whether that’s socialising with friends, going to exercise classes or attending cultural events and venues” explained Mind Matters manager, Lisa Quigley.
“Added to that there’s also a great deal of anxiety around the health and welfare of family, friends and ourselves, so it is important that, even if they are physically distant, teams can continue to look after each other. However, now is the perfect time to be thinking a little more innovatively about how we look after ourselves and each other. “
The competition will be judged on ingenuity, how the idea impacts team wellbeing and morale, and cost-effectiveness. Winning ideas will be showcased on the Mind Matters website so that everyone can benefit from the suggestions.
Entries must be submitted to l.quigley@rcvs.org.uk by Friday, 29 May, and can be submitted in any way the practice feels works best, be that a written proposal, poster or video.
Proposals must include a description of how the practice would use the £300 prize money to help deliver a wellbeing project, and details of the practice/place of work. More information about the competition can be found on the Mind Matters website.
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. 
