The first years after graduation can prove very stressful. You are in a new area, separated from your family and from the support structures that you developed as a student. You are also likely to be tired, working long hours in a job that demands all of your concentration. The services below are targeted specifically at recent graduates to offer support and social contact.

If there is anything you wanted to discuss with someone who had experience of the veterinary profession you might want to call Vet Helpline. They are available to talk to you in complete confidence about whatever is troubling you and are familiar with the problems that recent graduates face.
Tel: 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone).

In addition, the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme (VSHSP) offers completely confidential professional help with alcohol, drug, addiction & mental health issues.
Tel: 07946 634220

The Samaritans too provide confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Write: Chris, PO Box 90 90 , Stirling , FK8 2SA
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org

Download a guide to THE EARLY YEARS in practice here

Download some advice from recent graduates here

• BVA Regional Support Meetings for Recent Graduates (Open to non-members)
  
  A BVA-led scheme for recent graduates up to five years qualified, aimed at supporting them in their first years outside university and providing a forum where they can share their concerns and collectively seek solutions. The meetings are organised and hosted by the BVA territorial divisions and run by trained veterinary facilitators. Recent graduates who have already attended the meetings have found them to be a sociable forum to discuss their different experiences of life in practice and meet other recent graduates in the local area. The scheme is open to members and non-members alike, and the RCVS has confirmed that attendance at the meetings can go towards the annual CPD allowance.
  
  Recent graduates who are interested in attending the meetings should contact Amelia Kassem at the BVA on 020 7636 6541 or email ameliak@bva.co.uk to find the location of their nearest meeting.
  
  
  
  
• BVA Young Vet Network (Members Only)
  
  The BVA has set up the Young Vet Network (YVN) in order to provide additional support and services to BVA members in their final year of study and up to the end of their eighth year qualified.

          As well as the standard benefits of BVA membership, YVN members also receive:

• Free personal accident insurance
• 50% off selected RVC CPD courses
• 30% off Improve International's one-day UK CPD courses
• Free equine CPD at the Animal Health Trust 
• A copy of the BVA new graduate guide
• Access to an online secure discussion forum for final year student and recent graduate members
• A dedicated section of the BVA website containng useful tips and advice on how to deal with the first years in professional life
• Discounts on membership rates, BVA Congress and Vetstream
• Graduate representation on the BVA Council

For more information email yvn@bva.co.uk

• SPVS Recent Graduate Services (Members Only)
  
  
  • Telephone Support - The Recent Graduate Support Officer (RGSO) team are experienced practitioners who are sympathetic to the needs of the young veterinary surgeon but have the knowledge to advise them on all sorts of issues to do with, for example, employment contracts, and professional matters or just to give support at difficult times. The RGSO is always available to discuss any problems that recent graduates may be having, and can be contacted on 01926 410454 or email office@spvs.org.uk
  • Reduced membership subscriptions
  • Recent Graduates' Email Discussion Forum - Exclusively for those less than five years qualified and who have not become practice owners.  Email the listowner at younglistowner@spvs.org.uk. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and ask to join the list: you will need to give your name, postal address and date of graduation as well as your email address, so that he can confirm that you are a member of the Society and eligible for list membership. Alternatively, you can download an application form for this list as well as for the Society's main discussion list, which recent graduates are also very welcome to join at www.spvs.org.uk
  • CV Reading Service - A team of experienced employers are available to review your CV free of charge to SPVS members and completely confidentially. Email your CV to the Recent Graduate Support Officer at rgso@spvs.org.uk. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and a report full of constructive criticism will be returned to you, generally within fourteen days. Be sure to include your name and address so they can check that you are member of the Society.
  • New Graduates' Pack - This booklet summarises much of the information provided at the SPVS Educational Trust Students' Seminar held in Lancaster each year.  It covers such important issues as CV writing, applying for jobs and interview technique as well as practice structure and economics and sources of support.
  • Information Leaflets - A series of personal accounts covering everything from applying for jobs, interview skills, working abroad, the structure of the profession and much more. Available to SPVS members only, from their website or on request from the Recent Graduate Liaison Team office@spvs.org.uk ; don't forget to include your name and postal address so that they can check that you are a member.
    
    
• BVNA
  Provides support to recently graduated veterinary nurses who are members.
  Tel: 01279 408644
  Email: bvna@bvna.co.uk