VetPartners' mental health training hailed a success
- amandalittle2
- Feb 6, 2025
- 4 min read
COLLEAGUES from practices, businesses and our central support team have joined forces to support others experiencing or living with mental health conditions.
The first of the new VetPartners Mental Health Training Pathway courses has been held at our headquarters in York and was attended by both central support and practice team members.
There will be a face-to-face session in the Republic of Ireland on May 15th as part of training across the UK and Ireland during 2025.
VetPartners Mental Health Training Pathway has been developed to offer everyone an opportunity to complete mental health training and develop further knowledge.
From raising awareness of how individuals can look after themselves to supporting senior leaders to develop protocols, strategies and practical tools for supporting their team members, the new training is helping to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace.
The training pathway also adopts a more collaborative approach rather than individuals having sole responsibility for team mental health.
VetPartners Mental Health Trainer Tessa Beecroft, pictured left, who runs the courses, said: “The first session was brilliant as there were some really considered and insightful discussions from the group, with everyone keen to contribute and engage with the group activities.
“The courses will also give confidence to employees who are living with or experiencing mental health conditions as it empowers people to support themselves and others.”
Kim Morton, Clinical Director at Grange Vets, pictured right, has sadly seen first hand the impact of vets struggling with their mental health.
Kim explained: “I wanted to do the training as I am very aware of the prevalence of mental health issues across the profession and feel it is a priority that we look after each other. I want to be approachable and supportive for colleagues who may be living with any of these issues.
“I feel very strongly that colleagues should be allowed to fully open up about their needs and supported in their roles without fear of prejudice. Only a couple of years ago, I was at the funeral of a previous colleague who had died by suicide. He had done his EMS with me some years previously and I had utmost respect for him.
“He was a real grafter, a wonderful and talented vet, who went way over and above what was expected of him, but also a perfectionist. These traits that are common in our profession that, if not balanced, can lead to illness and suffering. This had a profound impact on me."
Kim added: “I found the VetPartners training incredibly insightful. As a practice leader, it will help me to fully support my team and be mindful of my own behaviours to be approachable, even minor tweaks in language used can have a profound impact.
“I am keen for my team to feel 100% comfortable in being open and honest with each other about their needs. It was also a reminder to look after me, as I feel leaders often forget about themselves while focusing on the bigger picture.”
“It is important we look after our mental and physical health. We have a dedicated wellbeing room at Grange Vets which allows quiet time away from the clinical areas when needed. It is used on a regular basis. I feel this training where VetPartners’ culture is reinforced continues to send a strong message and has ultimately allowed me to do that for my team.”
Kyle Bartley, who is Head of Engineering at Pet Cremation Services, attended the course and found it hugely beneficial.
He said: “Mental health awareness is hugely important to me, and I wanted to take part in the training so that I can be better informed and proactive with regard to my own head space but also when recognising the needs of others.
“I found the training well structured, concise and informative. Using the skills and techniques learned has already proven useful and I am sure this will continue.
“I consider a healthy head space to be a vital part of overall health and wellbeing. VetPartners cares about the personal growth of all group members from vets to pet crematorium operators, customer facing teams to support team members. Everyone is given an opportunity to develop skills across many different areas and I'm grateful to work within a group that takes this approach.”
VetPartners Operations Project and Integration Manager Jack Wainwright said: “I wanted to do the mental health training to improve my knowledge around the topic and be able to support my team members and people around me. It gives you confidence to have conversations about mental health, listen to people and make sure people feel comfortable coming to you if they need to seek support.”
VetPartners hopes those attending will achieve the following outcomes:
An understanding of stress, burnout and compassion fatigue
Be able to identify two common mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, and discussing common signs and symptoms
Learn how to start a conversation and the importance of signposting to resources
Understand the professional support available and how to report mental health support needs within their team
Discuss the importance of developing positive workplace cultures and setting goals
If you’re interested in attending the Mental Health Matters: Level 1 training, please speak to your line manager and book your place here https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mental-health-matters-level-1-3767273
18/02/25 – East Midlands
19/03/25 – London
23/04/25 – North East
15/05/25 – Republic of Ireland
17/06/25 – North West
09/07/25 – South East
03/09/25 – Scotland
15/10/25 – South East
11/11/25 – South West
18/11/25 - Wales
Article by Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director.
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