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Vet professionals invited to self-compassion webinar
The course has been shown to reduce self-criticism and reumination.
The session will look at a compassion-focused therapy intervention.

Veterinary professionals are being invited to attend a free online webinar on self-compassion from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS’) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI).

The session, which will take place from 7-8pm on 3 September 2024, will be hosted by Katherine Wakelin, a clinical psychologist, with support from Sarah Corthorne, a trainee clinical psychologist.

Dr Wakelin is a previous recipient of an MMI research grant and the webinar will draw on research into self-compassion carried out by her and Ms Corthorne.

Their research has seen them conduct a randomised control trial looking at the effectiveness of an online compassion-focused therapy (CFT) course. The intervention was designed to reduce perfectionism and self-criticism and increase self-compassion among veterinary professionals.

During the webinar, the researchers will go into more detail about the course and the science behind it. There will also be the opportunity for delegates to ask the researchers any questions they may have.

The CFT course will be made available for free on the MMI website and on the RCVS YouTube channel.

Dr Wakelin, said: “Our recent randomised control trial has shown the course to significantly improve resilience and self-compassion and reduce rumination and self-criticism amongst veterinarians. Therefore, Sarah and I are delighted to now be disseminating the CFT course freely to the veterinary professions, so that as many people are able to benefit from the evidence-based resource as possible.

“Even though our research was conducted on veterinary surgeons, we hope that the course will be useful to all those working in the veterinary team as the content can be applied in a number of contexts.”

Those wishing to attend can sign up on the MMI website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.