2024 THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium wrap up

“All human beings will make choices that will impact their wellbeing and mental health and have the capacity to influence the wellbeing of others. Attending THRIVE was a choice that will have a positive impact on myself and my team, I definitely recommend it.”
- Megan, 2024 THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium attendee.

^{Image: View from the THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium, AVA Conference 2024 (Monika Cole)}

There was a buzz in the air at 7am as we made our way to set up the room. The day sparkled with promise, and it did not disappoint!

The 2^nd THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium aimed to empower us to improve wellbeing and foster positive change in our workplaces. It promised to be about community, a safe place to be yourself, and foster connections with colleagues who share a common desire to invest in personal and professional wellbeing.

Our diverse panellists shared their lived experience of how to make a team psychologically safe and thought-provoking opinions as to how we can make our veterinary teams great!

The wonderful Judith Krause guided us to lead with vulnerability, cultivate a workplace culture where whole hearts are the expectation, and recognise that we are enough!

^{Image: THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium delegates during workshop with Judith Krause. (Monika Cole)}

Carly Webster encouraged us to turn up to work, be our true selves, share ideas, talk openly, and demonstrate leadership on a human-to-human level.

Some of us had to come out of our comfort zone whilst we immersed ourselves in the interactive sessions, but that was okay as we were surrounded by friends.

On behalf of the AVA Veterinary Wellness Steering Group, our deepest thanks to Rosie Overfield for her compassionate facilitation and to all our presenters, panellists, partners, and guests for contributing your incredible energy to this special day.

Remember - You are not alone!

Monika Cole
AVA Executive Officer Wellness.

THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium is proudly supported by Hills Pet Nutrition and  Provet/Covetrus.