VETPARTNERS has strengthened its focus on mental health and wellbeing with the appointment of a new wellbeing lead and a further two-year commitment to supporting Vetlife as its charity of the year.
Adam Laidler, a qualified psychotherapist, has joined VetPartners, which has 13,000 colleagues working across more than 800 veterinary practices and animal healthcare businesses in the UK and Europe, as well as its central support headquarters in York.
Adam will lead wellbeing and mental health training for colleagues across VetPartners, including senior leaders and practice wellbeing champions, while helping to embed the right support, resources and processes across the business.
His appointment comes as VetPartners extends its support for Vetlife, the charity providing emotional, financial and mental health support to the veterinary community, for a further two years.
Vetlife has always been supported by VetPartners but it became the group’s chosen charity for 2026, with colleagues organising a range of fundraising activities, including CEO Jo Malone running an ultra-marathon which raised £9,410 for the charity. VetPartners also matches money raised by colleagues for Vetlife through its charity fund, with £24,751 raised and matched so far in 2026.
Jo said: “The mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues has to be a priority. Veterinary professionals do an incredibly important job, and we want to create a culture where people feel able to talk about mental health, ask for help and look out for one another.
“I’m delighted to welcome Adam to VetPartners. His expertise will help our colleagues and leaders feel more confident talking about mental health, recognising when someone may need support and knowing where to turn for help.
“Vetlife provides a vital lifeline to people across the veterinary profession, and we’re proud to continue supporting its work for another two years. The commitment and enthusiasm of our colleagues to raising money for Vetlife has been fantastic, and I’m proud that we can continue to play our part in supporting the wider profession.”
Adam has been settling into his new role by visiting VetPartners practices and hearing first-hand from vets, veterinary nurses, receptionists and support team members about the pressures they face and their experiences of mental health and wellbeing at work.
Adam said: “I’m passionate about helping people feel supported at work and creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This role brings those two things together and gives me the opportunity to make a real difference across VetPartners.
“I’m keen to listen to the people working in practice, understand what they need and provide practical, pragmatic support that makes a difference. The pressures people are facing today are constantly changing – from the cost of living to wider uncertainty in the world – so the support we needed five years ago isn’t necessarily the support we need now.”
Main photo: Adam, centre, is pictured with VetPartners CEO Jo Malone and Managing Director Tim Shearman.
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