UK veterinary professionals needed for Mind Matters funded alcohol use study

A new research project, seeking to develop a greater understanding of alcohol use behaviours and barriers to help seeking in the UK veterinary professions, is currently recruiting veterinary professional study participants to help improve support for those looking to reduce alcohol consumption.

The project, which was awarded funding by our Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) back in January, is seeking to find out about current attitudes, beliefs, and alcohol use behaviours of those working in clinical settings within the UK veterinary sector. The research is being led by a team of researchers from Oxford Brookes University – Dr Jennifer Seddon, Olivia Cormier MRCVS, and Dr Emma Davies.

They are inviting people aged 18 and over who are working in the UK veterinary sector, including vets, veterinary nurses, practice managers, veterinary care assistants, receptionists, and those undertaking other in-practice roles, who currently drink or have drunk alcohol in the past three months to take part in an online survey. This should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.

Olivia (pictured left) said: "Evidence from research conducted in 2009 showed that veterinary professionals may be more likely to drink at risky levels compared to people in the general population. There is a vital need for new research in this area, not only so we can better understand what the current situation looks like, but so that we can learn how best to provide tailored support to this group."

The survey is anonymous and confidential, and no personal data will be gathered or shared with MMI or the RCVS. After completing the survey, participants can choose to enter a prize draw to win one of three £100 Amazon vouchers.

For more information and to take part, please visit the study’s dedicated survey page. Anyone with further questions about the project, can contact Olivia on [email protected].

If you are a researcher and have an idea for a research project which could help support the mental health of the UK veterinary sector, applications for the second round of Mind Matters research grants are now open. This year, there are three grants available to apply for: two £5000 Discovery Grants (aimed at postgraduate and early career researchers) and one Impact Grant (aimed at established researchers). Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 28 May.

For more information on the Mind Matters grants, visit their dedicated research grant page.