The RCVS has announced dates for a range of new mental health and wellbeing training opportunities for veterinary professionals this year.

Expanding on the training available in autumn 2022, which was launched based on the results of an extensive training pilot, MMI is offering a total of 14 sessions taking place both online and in person over the next few months. Sessions will be running from January to April 2023. The courses will cover areas that have been identified as priority topics from previous MMI surveys, feedback from the professions, and evaluation of the training pilots.

Mind Matters Initiative Manager, Lisa Quigley, said: “Mental health and wellbeing are impacted by a whole host of structural and societal factors and maintaining a healthy workforce goes far beyond supporting people on an individual level.

"Whilst it is undoubtedly important to provide people with the skills they need to look after themselves, we are aiming to expand on this by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to recognise and address wider collective issues. For example, the importance of creating and maintaining a positive workplace culture.

Session dates and specific topics are as follows:

Mental Health First Aid (£30 in-person)

9am – 5pm

• Wednesday 15 February – Exeter
• Friday 24 February – Swansea
• Monday 13 March – Liverpool
• Wednesday 22 March – Norwich 

Psychological Safety and Civility (£20 in-person, £15 online)

In-person – 9am – 4pm

• Wednesday 8 February – Oxford
• Wednesday 22 March – Peterborough
• Thursday 27 April – Edinburgh

Online – 9am – 1pm

• Tuesday 24 January
• Tuesday 21 February
• Tuesday 7 March
• Tuesday 4 April

Sustaining Your Emotional Health (£15 in-person)

2pm – 5pm

• Monday 13 March – Glasgow
• Wednesday 15 March – Newcastle
• Friday 17 March – Manchester 

For more information on the training courses, visit: https://vetmindmatters.org/training/ 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.