The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has, this week, released two key publications – an Evaluation Report outlining its progress and impact since its inception almost a decade ago, and its new Five-Year Strategy announcing the project’s plans and future direction. Launched in December 2014, MMI was set up by the Royal College of Veterinary […]
MMI is reminding veterinary mental health researchers of opportunities to participate in two key research initiatives, which aim to support the development of mental health research within the veterinary field. The first of the initiatives is the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant – a £20,000 grant which was set up in memory of vet, […]
MMI is calling on UK and international researchers working in the field of mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary professions to submit their abstracts for the upcoming Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium, taking place this autumn. The event, which will be taking place on Tuesday 10 October at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, aims […]
Kate Richards – RCVS President 2021-22 In this blog RCVS Senior Vice-President and Chair of the Mind Matters Initiative Dr Kate Richards MRCVS writes about how best to conquer the Winter Blues. For some the phrase ‘Winter Blues’ may conjure up memories of Dr Feelgood and The Animals, for others it describes their feelings at this time […]
MMI have partnered with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association to run a neurodiversity stream as part of the annual BSAVA Congress. The congress, which is due to take place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex from 23 – 25 March 2023, will include over 130 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) covering a variety […]
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) and VN Futures project are expanding their training collaboration to include self-compassion and anxiety workshops. MMI and VN Futures have a long-standing working relationship and their common aims have seen them work together in a number of different capacities over the past few years. […]
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is inviting veterinary mental health researchers to apply for the 2023 Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant. The £20,000 grant, which was set up in memory of vet, RCVS Council member and mental health campaigner Sarah Brown, has been awarded every year since 2019 […]
Mind Matters Initiative has developed a range of new mental health and wellbeing training opportunities for the veterinary professions for 2023. 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 […]
Working hard and doing your best is never a bad thing. However, consistently setting unrealistic standards for yourself and constantly striving for perfection can have a hugely damaging effect on your self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. This, in turn, leads to an increased vulnerability to developing certain psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. In this […]
This chat was centred around the BAME Student Support Working Group Report, published by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Schools Council in June 2022 which can be accessed on the RCVS website. The panel discussed some of the key issues highlighted in the report; how it’s recommendations for improving the educational experience of […]
Navigating change is inevitably challenging, but with this comes the opportunity to learn and grow. The modern world is constantly evolving and as such we are constantly having to learn to adapt. Whether that be embracing the challenges of a new job, moving house, navigating the breakdown of a relationship, or letting go of the […]
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative is inviting veterinary professionals to join their fourth series of Campfire Chats commencing this autumn. The Campfire Chats, which were first set up in January 2021, provide veterinary professionals with the opportunity to come together to chat about important topics impacting their mental health and […]
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced a new civility training collaboration with the RCVS VN Futures project to help tackle incivility in the workplace. The training will be delivered by VetLed. Having worked with VetLed previously in the year to deliver six successful online civility training sessions, MMI […]
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is sponsoring the latest series of Veterinary Nurse Think Tanks, run by VetLed, a leading provider of ‘human factors’ skills training for veterinary professionals, supported by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). The Veterinary Nurse Think Tank series is running as part of an ongoing collaboration between MMI and VetLed, […]
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has awarded £20,000 to a research project investigating the effectiveness of online compassionate imagery intervention in improving the psychological wellbeing of veterinarians. The funding comes from the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant, which was founded in 2019 in memory of RCVS Council member Sarah Brown, who passed away […]
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced a new programme of fully-funded Mental Health First Aid training, which will be delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. One of MMI’s key areas of focus is the mental health and wellbeing of students, and the new training programme follows on from previous […]
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) will be working with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England to deliver a free, online training programme for vets in isolated and rural areas across the UK, as well as vets working in ambulatory practice. The training programme has been launched in recognition of […]
Loneliness is a key driver of poor mental health and affects millions of people in the UK every year and, according to The Mental Health Foundation’s Pandemic research, this has been exacerbated by the pandemic. In this Mental Health Awareness Week Campfire Chat special, we came together to discuss why meaningful connection and having a […]
A new joint training initiative from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) will aim to educate veterinary leaders and managers on mental health in the workplace. The collaboration will be delivered by the VMG’s online learning platform and can either be taken as a free […]