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.
Current Survey
VBF is conducting a survey to find out more about how the profession perceives it and how services can be best tailored to meet the needs of the profession.
Please spare five minutes of your time to complete the following questionnaire.
Find out more about what the VBF does
Additional information
If you are a new/ recent graduate you should visit our Young Vet Network area
Information on cheaper medical prescriptions for those who pay for more than 4 prescription items in 3 months or 14 items in 12 months
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