Supportive spaces: Building veterinary events that promote wellbeing
Events provide a valuable opportunity for people to come together, network and share ideas. When organising an event, it is important to consider potential barriers to participation so that delegates feel safe, included and able to fully engage. When speakers and attendees feel comfortable and included, they are more likely to engage openly in discussion and share perspectives on complex or sensitive topics.
Chair of RCVS Mind Matters Initiative
This guide, developed by representatives from organisations within the Mind Matters Taskforce, is designed to help event organisers create spaces where everyone feels safe, included and able to participate. It draws on the experiences of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, students and subject matter experts, alongside evidence and guidance from leading UK organisations and charities.
Regardless of the size or frequency of your event, this guide is intended to be a helpful starting point. Creating more inclusive events is an ongoing process, so we encourage organisers to seek feedback and continuously learn from attendees’ experiences.
How to use this guide
At the end of this guide, you will find a summary of key takeaways and practical checklists. If your event is approaching, these can be a useful place to start to help identify any areas that may need further consideration.
About the MMI Taskforce
The Mind Matters Initiative Taskforce, is made up of representatives from key veterinary and veterinary nursing representative bodies. They meet twice a year to discuss MMI, current issues, project updates from all members, acting as a sounding board for ideas, a facilitative group for promotion and communication on key topics and campaigns.
A task and finish group from within the MMI Taskforce was set up to collaborate and create this guide.
Sections
1. The use of content and trigger warnings
This section of the guide covers what content and trigger warnings are, and their potential purpose.
2. Considerations for effective chairing
Chairs play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of those attending, including speakers, at events and conferences.
3. Protecting new joiners and considering loneliness and isolation
This section outlines suggestions to make your event a comfortable and enjoyable experience for those attending alone
4. Designing for neurodivergent attendees and speakers
How to design events for neurodivergent attendees and speakers
5. Suicide prevention
Conferences can be a difficult time for some attendees, and people with pre-existing vulnerabilities may be at risk.
6. Alcohol and wellbeing at events
The decision whether to serve alcohol at conferences or events involves weighing risks and benefits.
7. Supporting veterinary and veterinary nursing students
Here are some key points to encourage student attendance at events and protect wellbeing.
8. Event planning and execution: physical safety and accessibility
Psychological, physical and emotional wellbeing are deeply interconnected, particularly in live event environments.
9. Reasonable adjustments
Often, little or no priority is given to accessibility at events, which risks exclusion.
10. Top tips and key take aways
Top tips and key take aways when building veterinary events that promote wellbeing.