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.
Address: Chris, PO Box 90 90 , Stirling , FK8 2SA
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org

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 following graduation. The different elements currently incorporated are:
  
  
  • The BVA new graduate guide
  • An online network of final year student and recent graduate members
  • Graduate representation on the BVA Council
  • A dedicated section of the BVA website containing useful tips and advice on how to deal with the first years in professional life.
    
    For further information visit www.bva.co.uk/youngvetnetwork or email yvn@bva.co.uk
    
    
• SPVS members can contact their Recent Graduate Support Officer (RGSO), Richard Hillman, via the SPVS Office. The 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. Richard 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
  
  SPVS takes the support of recent graduates very seriously, and also has a range of other services targeted to their needs:
  
  
  • Reduced membership subscriptions. We understand that money can be tight in the first few years, with student debts to pay off as well as new borrowing taken out for houses, furniture and cars.
    
    
  • Recent Graduates' Email Discussion List. Exclusively for those less than five years qualified and who have not become practice owners. An invaluable answer to the problems of isolation and loneliness that beset today's assistants. Discuss your troubles with your peers, secure in the knowledge that your boss isn't listening! 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.
    
    
  • CV Reading Service. Before applying for those crucial first jobs have your CV reviewed by a team of experienced employers. The service is free of charge to SPVS members and completely confidential. 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 we 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 September. 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, on request from the Recent Graduate Liaison Team. Click here to email your request: don't forget to include your name and postal address so that they can check that you are a member.
    
    
    • Reading adverts
    • Writing a CV
    • Going for an interview
    • First day
    • Matching expectations
    • Boss tal
    • Coping with stres
    • Time to move on
    • The structure of the profession
    • VDS
    • BVA
    • Personal accounts of different careers- charity work overseas, intern, PDSA.