RCVS Mind Matters Initiative to host two webinars at upcoming Webinar Vet Virtual Congress

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) are hosting two webinar sessions on mental health and wellbeing at the 10th Webinar Vet Virtual Congress 2022 on 17 January. Taking place from 17 – 22 January 2022, the virtual event is the world’s largest online veterinary conference, and for the first time, all sessions are completely free to attend.

For this year’s congress, MMI has two speakers in the conference programme, who will present talks on vital areas of mental health and wellbeing followed by a brief Q&A. The times and details of the two MMI sessions are:

• Dr Claire Gillvray – Understanding the mind body link and what we can learn from it – Monday 17 January, 7 to 8pm. Claire is a trained Psychiatrist and General Practitioner and has worked in the NHS and in Private Practice for over 20 years. She is also a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist and has an interest in the mental health of those within the veterinary profession. In her talk, she will outline the latest research into how we can support our mental health through exercise, diet, mindfulness, breathwork, talking therapies and anti-depressants.
• Dr Catriona Mellor – Living with the climate Crisis: What do we need to know about eco anxiety, nature, wellbeing and resilience – Monday 17 January, 8 to 9pm. Catriona is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with an interest in the mental health impacts of the eco-crisis on children and young people as well as what nature-based practices and insights can add to mental health care. Her talk will cover some of the difficult thoughts and feelings associated with living at a time of climate and nature crisis, as well as what we can do for ourselves and each other to feel more resilient and optimistic.

"We are really pleased to be providing two speakers to give talks on the first day of the Webinar Vet conference on two very important and timely issues." - Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager

As well as MMI, the conference also has speakers from the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Nationwide Laboratories and Investors in the Environment, who will be giving talks on areas including sustainability, reducing waste and hypercalcaemia in dogs and cats. Everyone who attends a session at the conference will also be able to download a certificate of completion, which can be used to count towards their CPD target for the year.

Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager said: “We are really pleased to be providing two speakers to give talks on the first day of the Webinar Vet conference on two very important and timely issues. I want to thank our speakers for sharing their expertise with the profession. I also want to thank the Webinar Vet Virtual Congress for recognising the challenging period that the veterinary professions have had and making this year’s sessions free to attend. I would encourage as many people as possible to register for the congress and seize the opportunity to hear from leading voices in mental wellbeing, as well as other key speakers in the veterinary sector.”