Vetlife

Vetlife is the leading UK charity, with roots tracing back to 1865, dedicated exclusively to supporting the mental health, wellbeing, and financial stability of the veterinary profession—including veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, students, and their dependants. Evolving from early benevolent societies, it integrated services in 2015 under core values of compassion, integrity, and confidentiality, offering 24/7 independent support free from regulatory or employer influence. Its person-centred approach addresses stress, burnout, substance misuse, moral injury, bereavement, and hardship through three pillars: the Vetlife Helpline for emotional support, Vetlife Health Support for mental health and addiction interventions, and Vetlife Financial Support for grants covering essentials like household costs and recovery aid.

It funds individuals facing acute or chronic challenges, providing emergency one-off grants and longer-term aid to foster resilience and career sustainability, with no geographic restrictions across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Eligible applicants are solely veterinary professionals and dependants demonstrating financial need; charities and organisations are not supported.

Applications are unsolicited via an online form or post, accepted year-round on a rolling basis, with monthly trustee meetings and decisions in 2-6 weeks (faster for urgencies). Grants range from a few hundred pounds for emergencies to £300-£900 monthly regular support, occasionally exceeding £1,000. Uniquely, Vetlife is the only UK charity wholly focused on the veterinary sector's holistic needs, destigmatising help-seeking and partnering with bodies like the RCVS and BVA, excluding projects, core costs, or non-veterinary causes.