Helplines and support for veterinary surgeons
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is committed to supporting and providing details of helplines and support for veterinary surgeons
Through close liaison with the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, we are committed to supporting vets in need.
There are five main sections on this page
You can find advice about dealing with stress on VETS.TV
If you are a new/ recent graduate you should also visit our Young Vet Network area
The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) is made up of three charitable groups dedicated to supporting vets and their families; the VBF, the Vet Helpline and the Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Programme (VSHSP).
The VBF provides immediate help for veterinary surgeons or their dependents in financial difficulty. All enquiries are completely confidential.
Drawing together all aspects of care into one charity has placed the VBF in a strong position to meet new challenges facing the profession.
Tel: 020 7908 6385
Email: info@vetlife.org.uk
Further information
The Vet Helpline provides a 24-hour rapid response answerphone for confidential, empathetic discussion of problems with someone who has experience of the veterinary profession, to veterinary surgeons, nurses and students. Callers are referred on for specialist help where appropriate.
Tel: 07659 811 118
Further information
Confidential, professional help with alcohol, drug and other addiction and mental health issues, is provided to veterinary surgeons, nurses and students, if they are worried about themselves or a colleague.
Tel: 07946 634 220
Email: VSHSP@vetlife.org.uk
Further information
Vetlife is a website designed to provide information about the support available to veterinary surgeons, nurses and students on a wide range of issues from
- the established veterinary care organisations
- outside the profession
It is one of a series of branded initiatives recommended by the Veterinary Support Working Party - a group formed with representatives from all the main veterinary organisations, including the BVA, in response to concern over the high rate of suicide and depression within the profession.
The site is funded by the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF)
Further information
The BVA feel that mediation is an important service for the profession and the Association has collaborated with the Veterinary Association of Arbitration and Jurisprudence (VAAJ) to promote a veterinary mediation/arbitration service.
The BVA/VAAJ Mediation Service can provide either veterinary surgeons or lawyers, as appropriate, to be used in disputes between partners, employers and employees or neighbouring practices. The mediators are prepared to travel, if necessary, to mediate face-to-face.
Any member requiring the mediation service should contact the Honorary Secretary of the VAAJ. The Secretary will be able to put them in contact with a mediator who will have specific experience of dealing with veterinary disputes. The financial arrangements for any mediation transaction should be arranged directly between the mediator and the person calling on their services.
Members can view the contact details below.
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