Drive to raise awareness of support for vets
New Vet Helpine video emphasises that anyone in the profession can seek help.
In a drive to raise awareness of its support network, the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has distributed a new Vet Helpline video and stickers to veterinary practices.
At a recent meeting of the VBF's board, key issues were discussed relating to the welfare of veterinary professionals, and the challenge of ensuring support services are well-funded and easily accessible.
Anxiety and depression are the most common complaints raised with Vet Helpline, which offers everyone in the profession the opportunity to discuss their problems with someone who understands the industry.
To raise awareness of its services among veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, VBF has joined forces with the Veterinary Defence Society to distribute Vet Helpline stickers to over 4,000 practices.
All veterinary organisations are also being asked to display the new Vet Helpline video on their websites.
The video shows a typical call to Vet Helpline, stressing that anyone in the veterinary profession, including students and veterinary nurses, can ask for help, whether by phone or anonymously by email.
President of the VBF, Lydia Brown, said: "We are committed to ensuring that all veterinary personnel are aware of the support that is available for them and know how to access it."
To get a Vet Helpline sticker for your workplace, contact the VBF via email.
View the Vet Helpline video here: http://vimeo.com/80551830
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. 
