Veterinary receptionists, practice managers and administrators can now become members.
 
The Vetlife Board of Trustees has announced that it has opened its charity associate memberships to all non-clinical staff in the veterinary industry.

Non-clinical colleagues, such as receptionists, practice managers and administrators, will be able to support the charity as a ‘Friend of Vetlife’.

The decision means that those who are not registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons will also be able to join, as long as they are connected to the veterinary community.

As a Friend of Vetlife, non-clinical staff will be able to actively contribute to the charity with regular donations. Members can sign up to provide monthly, annual or lifetime contributions.

The suggestion to allow non-clinical veterinary colleagues to become a Friend of Vetlife was first made by an Area Representative during training in March. It was brought forward in a meeting of the Board of Trustees in May, who unanimously agreed to the motion.

The charity provides emotional, financial and health advice to the UK veterinary community, through its Helpline, Financial Support and Health Support services.

The Helpline and Health Support services offer confidential and professional advice from trained veterinary volunteers to help those requiring emotional support. The Health Support also gives guidance to those struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders.

Vetlife’s Financial Support provides financial support to veterinary professionals through monthly grants and one-time gifts. This prevents those who are struggling from having their homes repossessed, and enables a good quality of life.

No membership is required to access Vetlife’s support services.

The charity has seen an increase in need for its services and so it relies on donations, including the regular contributions from its members, to keep up with the demand.

James Russell, Vetlife’s recently appointed president, said: “Becoming a friend of Vetlife is an important way that people can show their support for our charity. As we have already stated, you do not need to be a friend of Vetlife to access any of our services, but by becoming a Friend, you are making a meaningful contribution to us keeping those services available for our whole community.

“We are only here because of our supporters, so thank you to you all.”

To become a Friend of Vetlife for £2.10 a month, visit the website. To make a one-time donation, go here.

Image (C) Vetlife