RCVS Mind Matters publishes new event wellbeing guide

The guide titled ‘Supportive Spaces: Building veterinary events that promote wellbeing’ was produced by members of the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) Taskforce. The MMI is funded and run by the College and aims to address mental health and wellbeing concerns across the veterinary professions.

The MMI Taskforce is made up of a group of representatives from several veterinary membership organisations, which meets to discuss the MMI project and its progress, produce communications on mental wellbeing and provide assistance and services where necessary.

Aimed at events and meetings of all sizes, some of the guidance featured in ‘Supportive spaces’ includes:

• The implementation of sensory-friendly event design for neurodivergent attendees and speakers
• The difference between a ‘content warning’ and a ‘trigger warning’, and when it is appropriate to use them
• Creating an environment that does not put pressure on individuals to drink alcohol and minimises harms associated with overconsumption

The advice on alcohol consumption draws on research from Oxford Brookes University, funded by a £15,000 impact research grant from RCVS Mind Matters in 2024.

The guide also includes checklists for event organisers to use to ensure the event is as accessible as possible, with criteria such as reasonable adjustments for those who need them, the creation of a sensory environment, and venue and catering considerations.

Dr Zara Kennedy MRCVS, Chair of RCVS Mind Matters Initiative, said: “The importance of attending events is integral to the veterinary experience, and valuable for professionals to come together, network, share ideas and learn. However, when organising an event, it is important to consider potential barriers to participation so that delegates feel safe, included and able to fully engage. 

“This guide demonstrates the power of collaboration and industry-wide desire to ensure events are as supportive as possible. Every event planner wants delegates to come away feeling as though they have been able to participate and enjoy all the opportunities available to them.”

Deborah Rowlanes, RCVS Head of Events, Outreach and Engagement, added: “The success of an event is not measured solely by attendance, but by how supported, included and engaged people feel while they are there. 

“This guide recognises that by considering accessibility, psychological safety and wellbeing from the planning stage, organisers can create spaces where all attendees, speakers and volunteers can thrive.”

MMI focuses on three strands of mental health support: prevent, protect and support, with this ‘Supportive Spaces’ guide forming part of the ‘support’ workstream.

More recently, MMI has produced resources and training on suicide prevention, managing mental health in the workplace, and has funded research for trauma support after workplace injury.

The full guide can be found on the RCVS website.