Vetlife launches resource for workplaces affected by suicide

Vetlife has launched new guidance for veterinary workplaces affected by suicide, to accompany its postvention support service.

After a veterinary suicide, families and close friends, workplaces and communities need support. Suicide postvention is the response and provision of support after a suicide.

Its aim is to support recovery, and to prevent further adverse outcomes in the aftermath including the prevention of further deaths by suicide.

This new guidance is intended for people who have been affected by the suicide of a veterinary professional, people who support those who have been affected, and for managers and leaders in veterinary workplaces who are working to prevent suicide.

It includes information about suicide bereavement, and suicide postvention and focuses on support including responses to suicide loss and who can help.

It particularly examines veterinary workplace considerations after a suicide, including immediate aftermath and longer term. The guidance also covers communication, including talking both with colleagues and clients, and publicly on social media and elsewhere. It finishes with a checklist of actions for veterinary workplaces affected by suicide considering immediate, short term, and ongoing actions for support and postvention.

As well as providing this guidance, Vetlife can provide individualised support to practices and individuals who have experienced a suicide through our Postvention Service. If you are a UK veterinary professional who has been affected by suicide or wants support for a veterinary workplace, please contact 0303 040 2551.

You can download the guidance on the Vetlife website here.

If you need to talk or are worried about someone, please call or share information about Vetlife Helpline. Vetlife Helpline is available 24 hours a day every day for confidential support on 0303 040 2551 or email via www.vetlife.org.uk