New mental health courses for veterinary team members
The courses aim to help all members of the veterinary team better understand mental ill-health.
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative has announced the launch of two new mental health awareness courses to help veterinary team members better understand mental ill-health and how to intervene if it is affecting colleagues.
Hosted by experienced mental health campaigner and trainer, Trevor Bell, the courses will take place virtually on Tuesday 15 December (10 am-1 pm) and Thursday, 12 December (2 pm-5 pm).
The courses will cover topics such as awareness around the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems; whether members of the team could spot the early warning signs of distress; and anxiety and depression amongst colleagues. They will also explore whether members of the team feel they would be able to talk to colleagues exhibiting these symptoms.
Lisa Quigley, RCVS Mind Matters manager, explains: “We recognise that this year has brought additional stresses and strains to both our professional and personal life. As a result, it is extra important that members of the veterinary team look out for one another and are able to recognise when someone may be experiencing mental distress.
“Just like physical health, we all have mental health which affects how we think, feel, and act and that, in any given year, one in four of us will experience some kind of problem with our mental health, with research showing that these numbers are even higher for members of the veterinary team.”
For more information about the courses and to register your place visit, visit vetmindmatters.org Each course costs £15 per person, with additional dates set to be announced in 2021.
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. 
