The first session exploring online veterinary communities and ways to tackle isolation will take place on Wednesday 26 February.

Informal conversations encourage vets to share advice and experiences.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is launching a series of 'campfire chats', focussing on some of the key issues affecting veterinary surgeons, nurses and other team members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free programme begins on Wednesday 26 February from 7.00pm – 8.00pm. This first session will explore online veterinary communities and how to combat isolation, hosted by Simply Locums founder Ben Sweeney, VN Council member and blogger Jane Davidson, and founder of the Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify Facebook community Ebony Escalona.

RCVS director of advancement of the professions Angharad Belcher said: “No one in the professions need to be told that the last year or so has been extraordinarily tough, but what has got many of us through is a sense of shared experience and solidarity whether that’s with family, friends, colleagues or the wider community.

“These campfire chats aim to draw on the importance of connectedness by bringing together members of the veterinary community to share their thoughts, experiences and solutions in an informal and friendly online setting.

“Though we have panels hosting every session, these events are not formal talks or lectures and are very much about audience participation and feedback. We hope many of you can join us to talk about the struggles, challenges and occasional hilarities of veterinary life in the time of coronavirus and, in doing so, improve your own wellbeing.”

Following the initial event on Wednesday 26 February, the next planned sessions are:

• Thursday 29 April, 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Chronic health conditions and COVID-19
• Wednesday 26 May – 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Supporting students and new grads
• Thursday 24 June – 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Leadership
• date tbc - Pandemic parenting.

To sign up for any of the events please click here.