"It's hugely important that we are able to provide the professions with a space to talk openly and honestly" - Angharad Belcher, MMI director.

All members of the profession invited to join sessions.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced a fourth series of its 'Campfire Chats'.

First held in January 2021, the virtual Campfire Chats provide a space for veterinary professionals to discuss topical concerns around mental health and wellbeing.

Having covered topics such as stress, loneliness, creativity and climate change anxiety, the initiative continues to grow in popularity.

Angharad Belcher, MMI director, said: “We are delighted to be bringing back our Campfire Chats for a fourth series. It’s hugely important that we are able to provide the professions with a space to talk openly and honestly about the key issues impacting their mental health and wellbeing in a secure, yet relaxed, environment. 

“We all lead such hectic lives and taking the time to come together and either discuss, or simply listen to, each other’s experiences can be really beneficial.”

Taking place from September to November, the upcoming sessions are as follows:

Tuesday 20 September 2022 7pm to 8pm: Navigating Change –  this discussion will look at the challenge of navigating change in every sense – whether that be managing a loss of a loved one, starting a new job, moving home, or transitioning into practice. The panel comprises of Remi Onabolu RVN, Diane James (Blue Cross Pet Bereavement), and Dr Niall Connell MRCVS.

Tuesday 11 October 2022 7pm to 8pm: Social Media and Mental Health –  this discussion will delve into the mental health benefits and challenges of social media, and how to manage these. Panel guests for this session include Lou Northway RVN (@louthevetnurse), Dr Bolu Eso MRCVS, and Dr Jeffrey Lambert (University of Bath).

Wednesday 9  November 7pm to 8pm: Letting Go of Perfect –  this chat will explore the topic of perfectionism – how to recognise it, how to learn navigate it, and the ways in which it can impact your mental wellbeing. Panellists include Dr Fabian Rivers MRCVS (Dready Vet), Dr Elisa Lewis (London South Bank University), and Professor Andrew Hill (York St John University).

Wednesday 30 November 7pm to 8pm: Maintaining Balance –  this discussion will explore many faces of maintaining balance, the ways in which we can try to implement it into busy schedules, and why finding an individual sense of balance is so important. Panellists include Laura Kidd MRCVS (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary studies, Edinburgh), and Lucy Grieve MRCVS (British Equine Veterinary Association).

Set to be run in conjunction with the RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Group, an additional campfire chat will be held to discuss the recently published RCVS/VCS BAME Student Support Working Group report. Details on this will be confirmed another time.

“The sessions are open to the whole veterinary team and are free to attend,” Angharad continued.

“We like to keep the sessions as relaxed as possible, so whilst the sessions aren’t recorded, we do provide a roundup of all the key information discussed after each session. 

“These round ups can be accessed via the Campfire Chats resource page on the MMI website or will be sent directly to you after the session.”

Any questions can be directed to Abi Hanson on a.hanson@rcvs.org.uk and anyone interested can sign up via the MMI Events page.