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Posted: 6th June 2022

MMI launches mental health course for rural vets
"This approach will help vets support the communities they work closely with and help them manage their own mental health" - Vicki Cockman, MHFA.
The free online training focuses on mental health first aid. 

Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' (RCVS) mental health initiative, has launched a mental health training programme for rural veterinary surgeons.

Created in collaboration with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England, the free training programme will be held online on Monday 11 July, Wednesday 20 July and Thursday 21 July.

Angharad Belcher, MMI director, discussed the importance of the training programme: “Veterinary surgeons working in rural and ambulatory services are often integral members of their local communities with a deep connection with farmers, animal owners and the wider rural community.

“However, as MMI-funded research conducted by Scotland’s Rural College with vets has demonstrated, veterinary work in such areas can often be very challenging which is compounded by working alone or having relatively limited contact with professional colleagues.”

The training will boost understanding of common mental health problems, help rural veterinary surgeons to identify signs of mental ill-health and provide tools for support.

MMI has identified that isolation and loneliness are significant issues on the rural veterinary community, and aims to form a network of mental health first aiders in the profession.

Head of client delivery and MHFA England, Vicki Cockman, commented: “It is wonderful to see the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s commitment to reaching all its vets in the UK, no matter their location.

“MHFA England is proud to be working with RCVS on this initiative. Our evidence based Mental Health First Aid training gives people an in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.

“This approach will help vets support the communities that they work closely with and help them manage their own mental health.

“Those trained will have the confidence to start a conversation, reassure and support a person in distress and the tools to create and consider their own self-care strategies.”

Each training session will last two-and-a-half hours long, and will be split into morning and afternoon sessions for different groups. Interested veterinary surgeons need to register by 5pm Friday 10 June on the MMI website.

MHFA has organised an online Q&A session for any veterinary surgeons unsure of whether to join the course. This will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 7 June. Anyone wishing to attend this session should contact Lacey Pitcher on l.pitcher@rcvs.org.uk for details.



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