NVS’s Big Chill campaign revealed that a considerable number of veterinary professionals (43%) believe that, despite the growing awareness of mental health within the profession, workplace wellbeing still requires improvement. Fortunately, there are now some excellent organisations and initiatives available to support you as individuals and your veterinary practices with wellbeing challenges.
Vetlife offers Independent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community including veterinary nurses, students and non-clinical staff. Their services include a 24/7 helpline, professional mental health support, and financial assistance.
Vetlife’s Neurodiversity Awareness Campaign: Bridging Understanding, Breaking Barriers
This campaign features a comprehensive written resource that provides guidance on navigating the process of securing reasonable accommodations for neurodivergent individuals in practice.
Wellvet promotes physical and mental well-being among veterinary professionals through various resources, including a helpline, online support groups, events, workshops and educational materials on stress management and self-care.
Menopause resources for veterinary teams
A wealth of information, practical advice and resources to help reduce the impact of perimenopausal symptoms for veterinary team members and those wanting to support others.
VetYogi offers online yoga classes, mindfulness practices, and well-being advice in realistic, meaningful, and accessible ways for busy veterinary professionals, teams, and businesses. All classes are delivered by qualified veterinary professionals.
VetYogi Collective
An online yoga and meditation subscription service for the veterinary community. It features a combination of on-demand and live yoga and meditation classes, encompassing a variety of styles and membership benefits tailored to suit every role, from vets and nurses to receptionists, managers, and students.
VetYou is a platform created by vets for vets to improve financial wellbeing. It provides resources and advice on managing finances, reducing debt, and developing financial strategies. They break financial security down into three key pillars: your health, your income, and your future.
A network of advisors
VetYou have developed a network of advisors who understand the personal finance challenges faced by those in the veterinary industry. With the opportunity to see them present at VetYou events, get advice through free educational content and many also offer free introductory chats.
BVNA Mental Health Toolkit
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Mental Health Toolkit is a comprehensive resource containing a variety of resources, books, downloadable materials, signposting links, and personal stories to support the mental health of veterinary nurses and the broader veterinary team.
Personal stories
As part of the toolkit, you can read personal stories from veterinary nurses about how they have overcome mental health challenges. Some of the content is difficult, but by sharing these stories openly, the BVNA hopes to initiate conversations and encourage others to share their feelings.
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative focuses on improving mental health and wellbeing among the veterinary team, including students, veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and practice managers. It provides training, resources, and support networks to reduce mental health stigma and promote a culture of care within the profession.
Mental Health Awareness Training
One key component is their online Mental Health First Aid Training, which equips individuals with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health issues effectively.
Find out more about their initiatives and resources
Ensuring the wellbeing of your veterinary practice is critical not only for the individuals working within it but also for the quality of care provided to clients and patients. The resources listed on these pages offer a wide range of support tailored specifically to veterinary professionals. By taking advantage of these services, you can foster a healthier, more supportive work environment.
The article was originally posted in The Cube magazine, February 2025 issue. Click here to read the magazine.
