Mind Matters funds research into mental health and trauma support after severe occupational injury

The grant has been awarded to a research project exploring mental health and trauma support after severe occupational veterinary injury.

The project is being carried out by researchers Dr John Tulloch FRCVS and Dr Tamzin Furtado from the Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences within the
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool. 

Dr John Tulloch FRCVS (pictured) said: “Tamzin and I are delighted to be receiving this funding from the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative.

“Veterinary professionals dedicate their lives to animal welfare, yet they have some of the highest levels of occupational injury of any profession. While physical wounds are documented, the long-term psychological, social, and professional repercussions for those requiring hospitalisation remain largely invisible.

“Through our qualitative study, we’ll be using in-depth interviews to capture the lived experiences of vets and nurses navigating life after a major injury, exploring the dual burden of physical recovery and mental health problems.”

Following the completion of the project, findings will then be used to develop better occupational health protocols and peer-support frameworks to help foster a more supported veterinary workforce.

Chair of our Mind Matters Initiative, Dr Zara Kennedy MRCVS added: “It’s fantastic to be awarding funding to John and Tamzin’s research project. Since 2019, through Mind Matters we’ve provided over £210k of grant funding to a wide range of veterinary mental health research projects and are pleased to help expand the evidence-base further.

“By improving our understanding of the psychological impact of severe workplace injuries, this research aligns with our wider investment into supporting reasonable adjustments. It also has the potential to improve workforce retention by helping veterinary professionals remain healthy, fulfilled and able to build sustainable long-term careers within the profession.”

Professor Mark Senior MRCVS, Dean of the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool, said: “'We are proud of Dr John Tulloch and Dr Tamzin Furtado for securing this prestigious RCVS Mind Matters grant. This research addresses an important, often overlooked area of the profession's occupational safety.

“By helping to develop stronger, more compassionate professional support frameworks, their work will have an important role in improving the well-being of the entire veterinary workforce.”

Applications for the next round of Mind Matters mental health research grants open early 2027. No £5,000 Discovery Grant was awarded this year. For more information on the grants or applying, please email [email protected] or visit our Mind Matters webpage.