In this extended episode, we explore an issue that matters deeply across the veterinary professions: suicide prevention. 

Please note: this episode will be centred around suicide. Please remember that if you are impacted by anything discussed, help is available. You can contact veterinary mental health charity, Vetlife, who have a confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as an email service. You can also contact charities outside of the veterinary sector such as Samaritans and Papyrus – details for all of which can be found below. 

From the new 2026 Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) requirements - requiring all practices (including small animal, farm and equine) to have a suicide prevention plan in place - to practical steps practices can take right now, this conversation is all about making support more visible, conversations less intimidating, and workplaces safer for everyone. 

You’ll hear thoughtful insights from experts working across the field, alongside real examples of how leadership, training, and culture can make a meaningful difference. We also talk about the role of stigma, what good prevention planning actually looks like, and why talking openly about mental health is such an important part of protecting people. 

Speakers: 

Angharad Belcher – RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, and Mind Matters Initiative 

Alice Duvernois MRCVS – RCVS Lead PSS Assessor 

Peter Kelly – senior psychologist and leading suicide prevention expert 

Dr Rosie Allister MRCVS – consultant manager for Vetlife helpline and suicide prevention and mental health researcher 

James Glass MRCVS – suicide prevention researcher 

What we cover in this episode 

Resources 

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and focus on suicide prevention in veterinary 

05:45 - Explanation of the RCVS Practice Standard Scheme (PSS) and its levels 

16:23 - What constitutes a suicide prevention plan and how to implement it effectively 

23:57 - The critical role of leadership, culture, and open conversations 

33:06 - Other available resources: Vetlife, RCVS Academy courses, RCVS Mind Matters guides and other support  

41:32 - The importance of responsible discourse and avoiding stigmatisation 

49:54 - Models like IMV (O’Connor, 2011) to understand the complexities of suicidal behaviour 

55:08 - The role of leadership and organisational culture in prevention 

66:29 - Tips for fostering a safety culture where mental health challenges can be openly discussed 

75:38 - Closing remarks: resources, upcoming events, and CPD recognition