MMI sponsors free menopause resources for veterinary teams

This year, our Mind Matters Initiative has sponsored WellVet, a not-for-profit social enterprise which aims to improve the wellbeing of veterinary professionals and teams, to deliver free menopause support resources for the professions. 

The resources, which are available to access for free via the WellVet website, are aimed both at individuals impacted directly by menopause, and those wanting to support others. The bitesize videos and audio have been designed to help veterinary professionals try out different support resources to empower understanding, help mitigate symptoms and/or support others who may be impacted. There are a range of topics covered including short videos on learning more about managing symptoms as well as tips on how workplaces can be more supportive.  

MMI Lead, Rapinder Newton, said: “Not all women will experience problems commonly associated with menopause. But for those with severe symptoms, the debilitating effects can last for years, impacting their personal and professional lives  

“We are really proud to have supported Wellvet to provide these invaluable evidence-backed resources for veterinary professionals, so that we can all continue to learn and navigate menopause in an understanding and compassionate manner. 

“We are really proud to have supported Wellvet to provide these invaluable evidence-backed resources for veterinary professionals, so that we can all continue to learn and navigate menopause in an understanding and compassionate manner." 

“In a profession that is primarily female, menopause touches all of our lives at some stage, either personally or perhaps those we work with. It is important that we continue to talk about it and educate ourselves and others about the impacts it can have. This month also marks Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day taking place on Friday 18 October, so please do take this opportunity to share these resources far and wide so that as many individuals and veterinary teams can benefit from them as possible.” 

Dr Liz Barton MRCVS, WellVet co-founder, added: "We saw a significant shift in the way we think and talk about mental health and wellbeing through the 2010s. Now we need the same to happen with menopause. In a predominantly female profession facing a workforce crisis, it’s vital we support team members in the workplace. The perimenopause years are the peak ages for women to die by suicide, and the most common perimenopause symptoms are psychological. We must do more to provide meaningful support.

"I have to extend a huge thanks to the sponsors without whose support and encouragement these resources could not have been created. We would welcome additional support, especially from veterinary employers, to continue developing and hosting these resources, and most importantly to encourage all their team members to access the content so they can give and receive support at this challenging life stage.”

There are a total of 23 videos and audio clips available, plus and animation created in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. For more information and to download the resources, visit the WellVet website.