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Veterinary mental health charity seeking new trustee
Vetlife provides support for all manner of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug misuse and eating disorders.

Vets passionate about supporting others encouraged to apply

Vetlife, a UK mental health charity which provides support to the veterinary community is looking to appoint a new trustee to sit on its board. Trustees are expected to be ambassadors for the charity, and are presented with a unique opportunity to help shape the vital work of this organisation.

The charity provides support through three services: Vetlife Helpline, Vetlife Health Support and Vetlife Financial Support. All of these services are free, and teams can provide advice on all manner of mental health issues including: stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug misuse and eating disorders.

Independent of all other veterinary organisations, the charity is currently managed by a board of 11 elected trustees, all of whom are veterinary surgeons. Anyone wishing to become a trustee must first be a Vetlife member.

The role requires a considerable time commitment, along with attendance of four board meetings per year in London. Vetlife also employs a small team of staff, so trustees will often be asked to carry out operational as well as strategic work.

Vetlife trustee Danny Chambers said: “Given the unique challenges facing veterinary professionals it is vital that the mental health support is delivered by people who understand the specific issues facing those working within the veterinary industry.

“This is why Vetlife is so important. We are a mental health charity run by the veterinary community, for the veterinary community. Being a trustee of this charity is a very hands-on role, where you get to influence all aspects of the charity’s work. If you want to help support your friends and colleagues, this is a great and fulfilling way to give back to the profession.”

The deadline for submissions is 20 January 2020, with interviews being held in London on 3 February 2020.

Further information and the application form can be found on the Vetlife website.

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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.

 

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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.