Mental health and wellbeing webinars announced
The Webinar Vet Virtual Congress is the world's largest online veterinary conference.
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced that it will be hosting two sessions on mental health and wellbeing at the upcoming Webinar Vet Virtual Congress.
Launched in 2015 by the RCVS, the MMI aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in the veterinary team, including students and practice managers and is supported by representatives from key veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations.
This year, the MMI will be attending the 10th Webinar Vet Virtual Congress 2022 on 17 January. Taking place over six days (17-22nd), the virtual event is the world's largest online veterinary conference, and for the first time, all sessions are free to attend.
The first session will see Dr Claire Gillvray, a trained psychiatrist and general practitioner, talk about understanding the mind-body link and what we can learn from it. With more than 20 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice, Claire is also a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist and has an interest in the mental health of veterinary professionals.
Dr Gillvray will summarise the latest research into how we can support our mental health through diet, exercise, mindfulness, breathwork, talking therapies and anti-depressants. Her talk takes place on Monday, 17 January between 7 and 8 pm.
In the second session, Dr Catriona Mellor will speak on ‘Living with the climate crisis: What do we need to know about eco-anxiety, nature, wellbeing and resilience. Dr Mellor is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with an interest in the mental health impacts of climate change on children and young people.
Her talk, which also takes place on 17 January (8-9 pm) will explore the difficult thoughts and feelings linked to living in a time of climate and nature crisis, and what we can do for ourselves and each other to feel more resilient and optimistic.
“We are really pleased to be providing two speakers to give talks on the first day of the Webinar Vet conference on two very important and timely issues,” commented MMI manager Lisa Quigley. “I want to thank our speakers for sharing their expertise with the profession.
“I also want to thank the Webinar Vet Virtual Congress for recognising the challenging period that the veterinary professions have had and making this year’s sessions free to attend. I would encourage as many people as possible to register for the congress and seize the opportunity to hear from leading voices in mental wellbeing, as well as other key speakers in the veterinary sector.”
For further information about the congress and to register your place, visit thewebinarvet.com
RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence. 
