Helplines and Support
BVA is a strong champion of the three charitable groups which are dedicated to supporting vets and their families. Through close liasion, as well as both moral and financial support, BVA is committed to supporting vets in need.
Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) - 020 7908 6385
The VBF has a long record of helping less fortunate vets and their families. Since 2005, the new VBF has been merged with the 24-hour Vet Helpline (VHL) and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme (VSHSP).
Drawing together all aspects of care into one charity has placed the VBF in a strong position to meet new challenges facing the profession.
For further information visit www.vbf.org.uk
All calls made to VBF are confidential.
Vet Helpline - 07659 811 118 (24 hour rapid-response answerphone)
The aim of the Vet Helpline is to provide veterinary surgeons, their spouses and other dependent relatives with a readily available and confidential source of practical advice and information to help them cope with problems such as depression, substance abuse, financial worries or employment issues. The helpers do not act as counsellors but offer a sympathetic ear and encourage the callers to work through their particular problem. The helpline is strictly confidential and names do not have to be given. Colleagues and relatives can call if they have concerns about a veterinary surgeon. Calls go through to a 24 hour answer machine and a helper will return the call as soon as possible, or at a time specified by the caller.
Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Programme (VSHSP)
- 07946 634220
VSHSP aims to intervene where colleagues are putting themselves, their patients or livelihoods in jeopardy because of alcoholism or other drug-related issues, and to arrange adequate professional treatment for their disease. It is totally confidential and anonymity is assured both for the individual and indeed for those asking for help on behalf of a colleague. The programme has the support of the main agencies within the profession, including BVA. If you are worried about yourself or a colleague, then call the VSHASP in complete confidence.
Vetlife - www.vetlife.org.uk
Vetlife is a website designed to provide information about the support available to veterinary students, veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons on a wide range of issues from both the established veterinary care organisations and from outside the profession.
It is one of a series of branded initiatives recommended by the Veterinary Support Working Party (Chairman: Dr Wendy Harrison) – a group which was formed with representatives from all the main veterinary organisations in response to concern over the high rate of suicide and depression within the veterinary profession.
The site is funded by the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF)