Essential mental health tools and suicide prevention in veterinary practice

From April 2026, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons requires all UK veterinary practices to implement a tailored suicide prevention plan as part of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) Core Standards. This important step highlights the critical role leaders play in safeguarding mental health within their teams.

In this session, Dr Tshidi Gardiner, vet, coach, and wellbeing advocate, explores why accessing mental health tools and suicide prevention resources is no longer optional, but essential. Drawing on her personal experience of burnout and her work with Vets in Mind, she will introduce practical, ready-to-use guidelines designed to support both individuals and leaders in practice.

Attendees will learn how to confidently implement a suicide prevention plan, support colleagues in distress, and foster a culture where wellbeing, openness, and early intervention are prioritised. This session empowers leaders to move beyond awareness into meaningful, life-saving action.

• By the end of this session, you will be able to understand your role as a leader in supporting mental health and suicide prevention within veterinary practice.
• You will be able to confidently access and apply practical tools and guidelines from Vets in Mind to support individuals and teams in distress.
• You will be able to take actionable steps to implement a tailored suicide prevention plan in line with Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme requirements.