Suicide Safety for members of the veterinary team

Suicide is a complex and deeply human issue—and one that continues to affect individuals and communities around the world, including the veterinary profession. This sensitive and informative webinar aims to break the silence, reduce stigma, and empower attendees with the knowledge and tools to respond with empathy and confidence.

Through this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of suicide as a global health concern, and why addressing it with informed compassion is so critical. We’ll explore the importance of language—how the words we choose can either reinforce stigma or foster safety and connection.

You’ll learn to recognize and challenge common myths about suicide, replacing them with evidence-based facts, and receive clear guidance on what to do if someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts. We will also cover how to support yourself or others in the aftermath of a suicide loss, acknowledging the unique and often isolating experience of bereavement by suicide.

Importantly, this webinar will equip you with resources and strategies for talking about suicide responsibly and safely, as well as how to signpost others toward appropriate and trusted sources of help.

This is not about having all the answers—it’s about being present, informed, and ready to act with care. Whether you’re supporting a colleague, a client, or yourself, this session offers valuable insight and hope.

Veronika Smart

Veterinary Surgeon

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Veronika graduated from the University of Cambridge and worked in Madagascar for the first five years of her career as an ambulatory equine veterinary surgeon and lecturer at the University of Antananarivo. Since returning to the UK, Veronika made the transition to small animal practice and continues to work as a GP vet. She is a Mental Health First Aider and holds a Level 5 Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Awareness and is the founder of Mentavet, an Instagram page and enterprise devoted to improving satisfaction and wellbeing in the veterinary profession. Veronika is a mother to two girls and is passionate about improving accessibility to flexible and family-friendly working in our increasingly feminised profession. MRCVS, Mentavet founder and content creator