A walk for vets in memory of my mate

After losing his close friend Dr Flynn Hargreaves (BVSc) to suicide in 2018, Jack Levitt is on a mission to reduce suicide in the veterinary and animal care industries. He created Flynn’s Walk in memory of his mate and to spread awareness of the challenges faced by vets. We spoke to Jack about Flynn’s Walk and how to get involved, and how we can support the vets in our world.

Why are veterinary professionals the focus of this campaign? After losing Dr Flynn, statistics about the high rate of suicide within the vet community were brought to our attention and we knew something needed to change. Veterinarians are four times more likely to die by suicide when compared to the general population - we lose a vet to suicide about every 12 weeks. Some of the contributing factors include the strain of the long hours and the riding of an emotional rollercoaster - potentially dealing with the delivery of a litter of puppies one minute and in the next having to carry a family through the ultimate decision and farewell of a beloved pet.

What happens at a Flynn’s Walk event and who can attend? Our walks are accessible to all - we love seeing families, kids on bikes, four legged friends - anyone and everyone. We want people to come along to walk it out and talk it out. What better way to share in the conversation than to spend a couple of hours checking in with friends or even meeting new people. Our walks are usually between 5km and 10km and done at a leisurely pace – it’s really about connecting and sharing in the conversation and breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health challenges and burnout.

When is the next walk and h ow can people get involved? Our next walk is in Queens Park, Toowoomba on Sunday October 13. For details, visit the Flynn’s Walk Facebook page events section. We also have 'local legends' in other cities around Australia that are championing the message and asking to hold walks of their own - we're blown away by this and will do everything we can to help get other Flynn's Walks happening around Australia. We also have merchandise available for sale, with all proceeds going back into helping us run the walks and supporting R U OK? and Love Your Pet Love Your Vet.

What is something you wish people knew about working as a veterinary professional? It is a tough gig and it isn't all kittens and puppies. Veterinarians see families in their most vulnerable state and not only care for the animal patient, but the family as well. Vets are part animal carer, part counsellor, part medical professional.

Do you have any advice for those who work, or want to work, in the veterinary industry? The biggest piece of advice is to look after yourself first and check in with others around you. The industry can be a tough one to work in and the last thing we want is wonderful people turning away from their career because they are burnt out.

Learn more about Flynn’s Walk or the Toowoomba walk at www.flynnswalk.com.au/