Sources of Help

Vet Helpline - 07659 811 118

The Vet Helpline is there for you to speak to someone with personal experience of the veterinary profession about whatever is troubling you.

Local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone.

The Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Programme - 07946 634220

The Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme is there for you If you are having or suspect you may be having problems with addiction or depression, the is also available for completely confidential professional help.

Rural Stress Helpline - 0845 094 8286

The Rural Stress Helpline offers a confidential, non judgemental listening service to anyone in a rural area feeling troubled, anxious, worried, stressed or needing information. They can also provide ongoing support, if necessary, until the difficulty is resolved or other help is in place.

The Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90

The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Write: Chris, PO Box 90 90 , Stirling, FK8 2SA

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Background Reading

There are some excellent articles here which will reassure you that you are not alone, that there are things you can do to alleviate the stress and that things will get better.

Overcoming Loneliness in Your First Job (Veterinary Record)

Loneliness, depression & stress: It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (The Independent)

Isolation in the Workplace (In-Practice Article)

Advice from Recent Graduates (from BVA)

A Guide to the Early Years in Practice – this is a really great article and should be required reading for all new graduates – and their bosses!

Advice about Working at Christmas (BVA Young Vet Network)

Veterinary Professionalism, Stress and Work/Life Balance

Study pack available from Jorum

Graduate Support Schemes

SPVS Recent Graduate Services (Members Only)

SPVS website

Telephone support, reduced membership subscriptions, CV reading service, a new graduate pack and many information leaflets.

BVA Graduate Support Scheme

BVA Graduate Support Scheme Website (Open to non-members)

A BVA-led scheme for recent graduates up to five years qualified, aimed at supporting them in their first years outside university and providing a forum where they can share their concerns and collectively seek solutions.

BVA Young Vet Network

BVA Young Vet Network Website (Members Only). The BVA has set up the Young Vet Network (YVN) in order to provide additional support and services to BVA members in their final year of study and up to the end of their eighth year qualified.

VetGrad Website

VetGrad.co.uk (Free Membership).  A new website for recent graduates designed to offer helpful information including job vacancies and links to useful resources.  All veterinary surgeons and students are welcome to register for free but only veterinary surgeons 0-5 years qualified will be allowed full access.

British Veterinary Nursing Association - 01279 408644

BVNA website

Provides support to recently graduated veterinary nurses who are members.

Email: bvna@bvna.co.uk