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Vetlife Helpline reaches over 4,000 contacts
This latest milestone marks a significant increase in demand for its mental health service.
The charity provides confidential support for those in the veterinary profession.

A mental health charity for the veterinary profession has marked a historic milestone, as its helpline exceeded 4,000 contacts for the first time.

The Vetlife Helpline reached a total of 4,042 contacts across 2023, which was a 15 per cent increase on the 2022 total of 3,503 contacts. This latest milestone marks a significant increase in demand for its mental health service.

The helpline supports all members of the veterinary profession, including nurses, students and non-clinical staff. Those needing support are able to access confidential, round-the-clock support.

As part of its services, the Vetlife Helpline continues to support practices which are coping with bereavement due to suicide, offering tailored assistance for each practice.

As well as its Helpline, Vetlife also runs a Health Support service, connecting individuals experiencing mental health issues and disorders with essential mental health care resources. In 2023, Vetlife facilitated 198 referrals through this service.

Vetlife’s Financial Support service, meanwhile, provides financial assistance to veterinary surgeons and nurses. Those in need of support may get professional financial advice or, if needed, monthly grants or one-time gifts.

Across 2023, Vetlife provided over £100,000 in financial aid to those in need.

Vetlife president James Russell said: “I am hugely grateful to the awesome team of trained volunteers, drawn from our professions who ensure that every contact to Vetlife receives a timely and individual response. It is reassuring for me to know that we are providing a listening ear to so many people who need our service.
 
“As the demand on Vetlife Helpline increases, so does the imperative to train more volunteers, and to ensure that more complex needs of callers are being understood and met. This, together with the Health Support service, and our Financial Support service comes at a cost to our charity, and I am delighted that we are undertaking fundraising in a more professional manner than ever.”

You can become a Friend of Vetlife, which gives mental health and financial support to your peers, here. Or to make a donation to Vetlife, visit here.

Image © Shutterstock/Vetlife

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.