RCVS Mind Matters Initiative Launches Comprehensive New Training Programme for the Entire Veterinary Team

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched a comprehensive new training programme open to the entire veterinary team. The new programme, which consists of four separate training streams, aims to allow delegates to gain a wider overview and deeper understanding of the multifactorial mental health and wellbeing challenges facing veterinary professionals. The training sessions are running free of charge and are being fully subsidised by MMI.

The programme is being delivered by a range of trainers from a variety of organisations, each of whom were carefully selected based on delegate feedback from an MMI training pilot which took place back in the spring. Before participating in the original pilot, each training provider first had to submit an extensive proposal detailing how they could support the development and delivery of the MMI training programme across the four key streams:

• Looking after yourself
• Looking after others
• Mental health awareness
• Equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) and civility

Mind Matters Initiative Manager, Lisa Quigley, said “We are delighted to be launching our new MMI training programme. The spring training pilot was a great success and we received positive feedback from delegates on all our selected training providers.

“At MMI, we strive to support the professions in the most effective way we can. This is why the four training streams are so important. Mental health and wellbeing challenges are multifactorial, and our support systems must take this into account. There is no quick fix, but we hope that our training will aid in the development of lifelong skills and knowledge which can be applied both now and in the future.”

Immediate upcoming training dates are as follows:

• 19 October – Psychological Safety and Civility Training (online)
• 25 October – Mental Health First Aid Champion (in person, Newcastle)
• 25 October – Sustaining Your Emotional Health (online)
• 1 November – Psychological Safety and Civility Training (online)
• 9 November – Mental Health First Aid Champion (in person, Bristol)

The MMI training sessions are taking place both online and in person and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. They are open to the entire veterinary profession and count towards CPD. Sessions are currently already underway and will continue to run into the new year.

To view the full MMI training programme and book your place on a training session, visit the MMI training page.