The resources will be accessible across the veterinary community.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative has published a series of bitesize content designed to make mental health support more accessible for veterinary teams.

The Applied Mental Health Science Series, produced in collaboration with mental health professionals, will be gradually released throughout May and June.

Announced during Mental Health Awareness Week, the series is set to provide a practical understanding of mental health and illness. RCVS hopes that the advice will enable professionals to have supportive conversations, make reasonable adjustments and find support.

Among the topics that will be covered are depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. A recently published resource on stress in the veterinary sector is also part of the series.

The resources follow RCVS’ Disability and Chronic Illness survey, where 65.7 per cent of participants who identified as having a mental health condition said that it affected them daily.

The new series is designed to support everyone in the veterinary community, including those from non-clinical settings. The resources are accessible for free through the Mind Matters Initiative.

Louise Allum, chair of Mind Matters, said: “Our guides have been designed to support everyone working in the veterinary community – from vets and nurses, to practice managers and receptionists, as well as those in non-clinical settings. This holistic approach is vital when it comes to supporting wellbeing within the professions and links to the RCVS Workforce Action Plan.

“As veterinary professionals, we are often time poor, so our bitesize guides are easily digestible and provide practical tips on how to help yourself and others within your team who may be experiencing mental health challenges.”

Angharad Belcher, RCVS director for the advancement of the professions, said: “MMI has always been focused on ‘prevent, protect, support’ as our key pillars, and these guides will be another way in which we can demonstrate these values.

“Whilst our guides are not exhaustive, our Applied Mental Health Science Series content can be used as an initial, factual, go-to resource.”

The resources are available to download for free on the Mind Matters website.

Image © RCVS