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Mind Matters Campfire Chats return for fifth series
The sessions are open for any member of the veterinary profession.
The initiative invites vet professionals to discuss mental health issues.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced the return of their Campfire Chats for its fifth series.

The online sessions relaunch on 13 December with a webinar discussing ‘Self-care through Winter’, which will see a panel including Vetlife president James Russell discussing mental health during the winter months.

MMI first launched their Mind Matters Campfire Chats in 2021. The chats invite veterinary professionals to attend virtual, informal panel discussions which explore topics relating to veterinary mental health and wellbeing.

The sessions are open for any member of the veterinary profession, including surgeons, nurses, students, practice managers and receptionists.

This year’s Campfire Chats will also be recorded, so that those who are unable to attend the sessions live will be able to listen to them afterwards on the MMI website. The following Q and A section will not be recorded, to provide a safe space for those who wish to voice their thoughts on the topic.

The MMI hopes that the series will enable those working in the veterinary industry to pause, reflect and learn from each other.

Angharad Belcher, advancement of the professions and Mind Matters director, said: “We are really looking forward to bringing back our Campfire Chats, which offer a safe space for the veterinary community to come together for informal discussions on some of the issues impacting mental health and wellbeing.

“We have a brilliant panel lined up for the first session of the series and are keen to get as many people involved in the discussion as possible – however, if you simply want to grab a cup of tea and listen in to the discussion, you are absolutely welcome to do so.”

The sessions are designed to provide an informal space for veterinary professionals to discuss mental health, but does not replace professional or clinical advice. Veterinary professionals who are experiencing mental health challenges should contact Vetlife, the Samaritans or the NHS.

The first session, ‘Self-care through Winter’, takes place on Wednesday 13 December from 7.00pm-7.30pm. This is followed by ‘Managing Anxiety 101’, which is on Wednesday 24 January from 7.00pm-8.00pm.

To book a place in the first session, visit the MMI events page. Booking for ‘Managing Anxiety 101’ will become available in due course.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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