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Vetlife Helpline reports busiest year on record
Vetlife is open to all members of the veterinary community.

“It has been a very difficult time for many people in the veterinary community” - Dr Rosie Allister.

Veterinary support charity Vetlife has announced a record number of calls and emails to its Helpline in the past year, many of which were related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Vetlife, which provides financial, emotional and health support to members of the UK veterinary profession, received 3,921 calls and emails to its VetLife Helpline in 2020, compared to 3,117 in 2019.

Dr Rosie Allister, Vetlife Helpline manager, said: “The last year has been the busiest Vetlife Helpline has seen. It has been a very difficult time for many people in the veterinary community, and we are glad so many people have been in touch. As well as calls relating to the effects of the pandemic, other stresses haven’t gone away and we are still offering support for people experiencing stress, concerns about mental health, work demands, support at work, and many other concerns. 

She continued: “It is a privilege to support the veterinary community and I would like to reassure anyone thinking about contacting Vetlife Helpline that we are here to listen confidentially. Anyone who thinks they might need to talk can contact by phone or email.”

Katie Moore, chair of helpline and health support at VetLife, added that the charity's Health Support service had also seen a record number of referrals. 

“Given the extraordinary challenges faced by our profession both in 2020 and now in 2021, it is not surprising that not only Vetlife Helpline but also Vetlife Health Support have experienced their busiest 12 month period, with a large increase in referrals to our Health Support service over recent months. I would strongly encourage anyone who is concerned about any aspect of their mental health to get in contact as soon as possible.”

Vetlife is open to all members of the veterinary community, including vet nurses, students, and other practice non-clinical staff. As well as its Helpline and Health Support service, the charity also provides Financial Support to veterinary professionals and their families in the form of regular monthly grants or one-time special gifts. 

The service heavily relies on donations and the fundraising activities of its supporters. Donations can be made through the Vetlife website.

Vetlife Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0303 040 2551 or via anonymous email at vetlife.org.uk

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.