Suicide prevention resources for veterinary professionals to be launched

A NEW package of support has been unveiled which is designed to boost suicide prevention support for veterinary professionals and their employers

Vetlife, which has been working in veterinary suicide prevention for years, says support for people who are struggling must be a key priority for the veterinary professions.

It has now announced a major new series of resources - The Vetlife Suicide Prevention Resources - to support individuals and veterinary workplaces with suicide prevention. They will be launched over a number of months, starting this summer. 

The resources are designed to are tailored for veterinary contexts and combine evidence, best practice in suicide prevention, and practical guidance that understands the unique veterinary environment.

They are being written by veterinary professionals, suicide prevention experts, and veterinary professionals who have lived experience.

The resources will cover a range of topics in veterinary suicide prevention, including guidance for managers in veterinary workplaces supporting staff who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, and safe practice around medicines and other aspects of risk.

As well as this, they will cover supporting colleagues who may be suicidal, as well as support for veterinary clients who disclose suicidal thoughts and for veterinary professionals themselves.

The new resources could also support practices looking to implement the new RCVS Practice Standards Scheme Core Standards, which require practices to  have a practice-specific suicide prevention plan from April 1.

Hannah Sampson, Vetlife trustee, said: “Suicide prevention is a priority for Vetlife. We know there is need from individuals and interest from practices and the wider profession for resources and expert guidance to help reduce the risk of suicide.

"Vetlife has begun the process of producing a series of resources which will provide practical evidence-based guidance on this crucial subject.

"We know that members of our profession care deeply about one another, and Vetlife is here to support everyone to help to make this profession safer.

"Individuals are invited to sign up to Vetlife monthly newsletters or follow Vetlife on social media for updates about the progress of the resources.”

Vetlife’s work in supporting workplaces and individuals affected by veterinary suicide continues; you can find information about our work in suicide prevention, our postvention guidance, and access to support on our website.

In addition to support for practices affected by suicide loss, the Vetlife Postvention Service provides help and expertise to practices with queries about suicide prevention, concerns about suicide risk, or who have been affected by suicide attempts.

This support can include help with queries about medicines access.

Vetlife also provides confidential emotional support 24 hours a day through the Vetlife Helpline phone and email service, and mental health support through Vetlife Health Support.

In 2025, the charity supported over 750 contacts where people were experiencing suicidal thoughts when they got in touch. The charity encourages anyone who is struggling to contact Vetlife Helpline.

The first Vetlife Suicide Prevention Resource will be launched in early summer 2026, with the others to follow later in the year and during 2027.

Dr Rosie Allister, consultant manager for Vetlife Helpline, said: "We recognise there is a real need to support veterinary practices with suicide prevention. We understand it can be challenging to balance needs in medicines access and staff safety.

"We also know that alongside steps around safety and prevention there must be effective and immediate help available for people who are struggling.

"The new resources are based on evidence, best practice, and years of experience in supporting practices and individuals in this area. We will publish the resources as soon as possible to support practices in meeting the new standards.

"We are also here to help now with practices looking to understand and mitigate risks, as well as to support individuals who need help. For anyone who is struggling or who wants to know more, please get in touch."

For confidential support call Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or email via www.vetlife.org.uk 24 hours a day.