MMI launches creative competition for mental health awareness
"Finding creative ways of forging new connections outside of our usual routines...is vital to tackling loneliness" - Lisa Quigley, MMI manager.
To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness week, taking place from today until Sunday 15 May, the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched a creative competition.
The competition, which explores the ways in which veterinary professionals can remain connected with themselves and others through the power of creativity, invites veterinary professionals to submit a creative piece of work for consideration.
Mental Health Awareness Week (9 May – 15 May 2022), founded 21 years ago by the Mental Health Foundation, highlights the conversation around mental health and runs annually.
Throughout this week, MMI will focus on the importance of community, togetherness and meaningful connections for tackling loneliness within the veterinary community.
MMI manager Lisa Quigley commented: “It is important to remember that loneliness is not necessarily about physical isolation, it is about feeling disconnected emotionally and socially from the world around us even if we are in a crowded room or working a busy shift at a veterinary practice.
“Covid has significantly added to what’s called by some a ‘loneliness epidemic’, and other factors such as stress, tiredness and lack of confidence or low self-esteem, as well as living with mental health conditions or poor emotional wellbeing, can all add to feelings of loneliness.”
The Creative Connections competition encourages all members of the veterinary team to take part and submit photographs, artwork, creative writing pieces and any other form of media which demonstrates how creativity and ingenuity can connect people.
Lisa continued: “Finding creative ways of forging new connections outside of our usual routines – whether it’s taking up a new or existing hobby or finding a way of talking to people who may be feeling similar – is vital to tackling loneliness.
“I really look forward to seeing this year’s submissions from the professions and hope that the participation of us and others in this year’s events help people realise they are not alone.”
Anyone wishing to enter the competition has until Friday 3 June to submit their entry, and can do so by emailing info@vetmindmatters.org with their submission, accompanied by a short explanation of the submission, what connection means to them and why it is important for their mental health and wellbeing.
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. 
