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BSAVA donation to fund Vetlife support services
Cal Major will be raising funds for Vetlife later this month in memory of her best friend.

Funding will help meet increased need for charity’s helpline 

Mental health charity Vetlife has received £20,000 from the BSAVA to help meet the increasing demand for its services.

Vetlife provides emotional, financial and mental health support to the veterinary community through its 24/7 phone and email helplines. In recent years, however, the charity says that it has received a fivefold increase in contacts.

“[The increase] inevitably leads to greater pressure on our charity’s resources,” said Vetlife honorary treasurer Graham Dick. “This is a most welcome contribution from BSAVA, which will help Vetlife to maintain and improve its services in the face of ever-increasing demand.”

BSAVA senior vice president John Chitty said: “Vetlife makes a massive contribution to our profession and it is important to say just how much we appreciate what they do. Now, more than ever, the profession needs this kind of support and BSAVA believes this donation will help to meet the increased need.”

The donation comes as Paddle Against Plastic founder Cal Major gets set to begin an ambitious Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) challenge from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise funds for Vetlife.

Cal spoke at BSAVA Congress in April to raise awareness of plastic pollution and was joined by veterinary supporters on the canals during the event. The paddle takes place this month in memory of Cal’s best friend, who lost her battle with depression at the end of last year.

Image (C) BSAVA

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.