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Webinar to explore myths surrounding veterinary suicide
"We need to shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support" - Angharad Belcher.

The event has been produced to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

The RCVS is inviting members of the veterinary community to a webinar exploring the myths and misconceptions surrounding veterinary suicide.

Chaired by Angharad Belcher, RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, the event has been produced to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. 

It will feature research presentations from international experts, including Helene Seljenes Dalum DVM PhD, a veterinary surgeon and researcher from the Institute for Studies of the Medical Profession in Norway, and Dr Alena Gadoury BVSc (Hons) BScN, a veterinary surgeon and postgraduate researcher from Griffith University in Australia.

Together, the speakers will explore how organisations and individuals can help contribute to evidence-informed suicide prevention.

Commenting on the event, Angharad said: “Demonstrating our commitment to veterinary teams’ wellbeing, our Practice Standards Scheme introduced a new mandatory requirement for all practices to have a suicide prevention plan in place in April. Since its introduction, we have produced a number of resources to support practices in meeting this requirement and have just launched a new suicide prevention training pilot.

“Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day - the theme for which this year is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ - the webinar will explore the data, common myths and misconceptions regarding veterinary suicide, how we can shift the narrative, and how individuals, teams, and organisations can contribute to evidence-informed suicide prevention.

“Changing the narrative on suicide requires systemic change and we need to shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.”

The webinar, titled ‘Changing the narrative on veterinary suicide’, takes place online from 11am to 12pm on Thursday 10 September 2026. Those interested in joining the webinar can register on the dedicated sign-up page.

A recording will be made available for those unable to attend live. 

Image (C) PeopleImages/Shutterstock.com

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 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.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

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