The Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme (VSHSP) was established by the veterinary profession in March 1999 to help combat problems of alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and other addictive and mental health issues amongst a proportion of its members and was based on similar schemes which had been available to members of the dental and of the pharmaceutical professions. The last independent clinical audit described the VSHSP as “highly efficient and effective”. In 2005 the Programme merged with the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) and Vet Helpline so that all three veterinary care charities are now run by the VBF. 

The Scheme is completely confidential and is run by a National Co-ordinator who is a medical doctor. VSHSP treatment programmes vary but are designed to suit an individual’s addictive state. For many, advice from the National Co-ordinator may be sufficient, with attendance at help organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The more severely affected may require out-patient treatment whilst for the seriously ill, in-patient therapy is usually needed.

Often people with an addictive problem don't recognise that they have a problem or delude themselves that they can "handle it". However, family, friends and colleagues are often the first to realise that someone is ill and needs help. The VSHSP is autonomous and totally confidential for those needing help and for those seeking help for others. Its primary purpose is the welfare of colleagues in need.

It is recognised that the path to recovery offered by the profession's own Health Support Programme is not the only one available to a veterinary surgeon but it is hoped that those seeking help or advice will make use of this freely available, confidential service by contacting the VSHSP Programme Co-ordinator on 07946 634220 or at VSHSP@vetlife.org.uk.

Go to information and advice available to the veterinary profession for addiction, eating disorder and mental health problems.

For statistics on those treated by the Programme and the structure, governance and management of the VSHSP see the VBF Annual Report 2006.