I have decided to run this year’s Edinburgh’s half marathon for a charity called Vetlife. This is a charity important to myself working in the veterinary industry I see first hand how the pressures of the job affect many. Sadly most in the industry have been affected by the high suicide rate, many will have experienced a loss from a team member. As a nation of animal lovers you will know how important this industry is for us to be there for your furry family members.

What do Vetlife do…

Vetlife is a charity dedicated to supporting the veterinary profession.

Everyone in the veterinary community is welcome to contact the Vetlife Helpline for free, independent and confidential support – including veterinary nurses, veterinary students, and non-clinical staff. The Vetlife Helpline volunteers are all from a veterinary background, so have a first-hand understanding of the type of issues affecting the profession, although concerns do not need to be work related. Contacts do not need to be in a crisis to get in touch with Vetlife, those who need to talk should reach out for support as soon as possible, before issues progress. Contacts are also encouraged from those concerned about friends or colleagues.

Following contact with the Vetlife Helpline, volunteers can refer those needing further care to our award-winning Vetlife Health Support service. Vetlife Health Support can help with a range of mental health difficulties, including stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol, and drug misuse, and eating disorders.

Vetlife Financial Support is available for eligible veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and their dependants in the UK. For those facing financial hardship we can provide: immediate emergency assistance, regular monthly grants, one off gifts, professional advice on State benefits and debt, access to CPD and bungalow accommodation in Dorset.

Over the past few years, the demand for these services has seen a remarkable increase, and the charity relies heavily on the generosity of donors and fundraisers to meet this growing demand and sustain its essential work.