Mind Matters Initiative brings back 'Campfire Chats' on mental health
The sessions will be hosted by those with lived experience and experts on the subjects.
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is continuing its 'Campfire Chats' initiative over autumn and winter, offering members of the professions the opportunity to take part in informal discussions surrounding veterinary health and wellbeing.
Angharad Belcher, MMI director, said: “After our very successful first run of the Mind Matters Campfire Chats, we have a number of new session topics, which were requested by delegates earlier this year.
“As always, we will continue to host experts and those with lived experience at each Campfire Chat.”
The upcoming Campfire Chats sessions will be:
Managing Mental Health and Menopause – Thursday 28 October at 7pm
This session will discuss menopause, mental health and the professions, and the panel will comprise of Liz Barton, SPVS board member and co-founder of WellVet and the Vet Mums Facebook group, Melissa Donald, RCVS junior vice-president, and Nikki Ruedisueli, a veterinary nurse educator who is currently head of Learning and Development at the BVNA.
Combatting Climate Change Anxiety – Wednesday 17 November at 7pm
Focusing on ways in which the professions can harness hope through positive action on climate and their connections with nature, this session will be held by David Black, managing director of the Paragon Veterinary Group and director of Vet Sustain, Alex Mullarky, founder of the Sustainable Vet Nurse Community and environmental campaigner, and psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author Sue Stuart-Smith.
Men's Mental Health – Monday 29 November at 7pm
Discussing overcoming barriers that may exist to men recognising and seeking help for mental health conditions, the panel for this session consists of James Russell, senior vice-president of the BVA, Vetlife board member James Glass, and Calum McIntyre, a final year student at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School, and president of the Association of Veterinary Students.
Working Through Winter – Monday 13 December at 7pm
This session will consider the various ways in which the winter season affects veterinary mental health and what can be done to help overcome seasonal mental health issues. The panel for this session comprises Mark Tabachnik, an equine veterinary surgeon who also works as a professional development coach, and Claire Fillvray, a GP and medical psychotherapist who is passionate about helping people gain mental strength through exercise, meditation, yoga and therapy.
“As with the previous events, the Campfire Chats aren’t about being lectured at for an hour but are an opportunity to hear from those with lived experience, expertise and also for our audience to share their experiences, worries or life hacks,” Angharad continued.
“So please make sure to grab a mug of your favourite hot drink and join us.”
All events are free, and members of the professions can sign up for sessions via the Mind Matters website at vetmindmatters.org/events/
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. 
