About us

In 2015, we launched the Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), a programme designed to improve the wellbeing of the veterinary professions, including both veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, students and practice managers. We provide mental health education and continued professional development (CPD), host events and offer research grants to help gain a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues in the profession. 

Mind Matters is run day to day by RCVS Director of Mind Matters, Angharad Belcher, Mind Matters Lead, Rapinder Newton, and Senior Mind Matters Officer, Sam Hurley. Chaired by Dr Zara Kennedy, Mind Matters is supported by a taskforce of representatives from key veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations. 

Mind Matters is not your first port of call if you are in crisis or need direct and immediate help. If that is the case, please turn to the Vetlife Helpline, which we support, both financially and in kind. 

If you need more urgent help and support, you can contact NHS 111 in England, Scotland, and Wales/Cymru, or Lifeline in Northern Ireland on 0808 808 8000. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also find useful advice from the RNID on using the confidential relay service Relay UK, to contact NHS 111 and Lifeline.