Relax with yoga for Mental Health Awareness Week
From yoga to meditation and even a virtual pub quiz - VetLife are hosting a series of fun activities to raise money for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Vets are being urged to pledge their support to Mental Health Awareness week by taking part in a series of virtual activities hosted by Vetlife.
Mental Health Week takes place 10-16 May and aims to encourage more people to talk about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.
This year’s theme is nature, and organisers hope to showcase nature’s unique ability to comfort us during stressful times, but also its potential to increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder.
Throughout the week, Vetlife will be hosting an array of fun activities over social media to raise money for its support Helpline. Members of the profession are being asked to make a £5 donation and encourage five others to get involved.
The activities on offer include meditation with vet and professional yoga teacher Chloe Hannigan, a virtual pub quiz with Trustees Danny Chambers and Paul Horwood, and a yoga session led by vet and yoga teacher Sarah Guthrie.
For those looking to get their bodies moving, trustee James Russell will also be hosting a fun Tabata workout session – a form of high-intensity training - with discussions about Vetlife and mental health throughout.
Vetlife provides support to the veterinary community through its Helpline, Health support, and Financial Support services. The Helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the whole profession, including veterinary nurses, students and non-clinical staff.
A Vetlife spokesperson said: “2020 was the busiest year on record for Vetlife, with 3,921 contacts made to our Helpline compared to 3,117 in 2019 – a 25 per cent increase. Many of the Helpline contacts made last year were linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Similarly, the Health Support service saw a record number of referrals in 2020; a total of 190 referrals were made, compared to 149 in 2019. This comes at a time when a decrease in income has put a strain on charity resources – so donations are more vital than ever.”
For more information, visit vetlife.org
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.
