Free legal support services

We understand that legal disputes can be costly and stressful. That’s why we’ve sourced free legal support for our members as part of their membership package.
Legal services include:

• Free legal helpline – for professional and personal issues
• Free mediation service
• Additional support for employee members
• Additional support for employer members
• Access to the legal services
• New members, including lapsed members who are re-joining the association, can no longer access our wider legal services if they have pre-existing employment disputes or disputes that occur within their first three months of membership.

Free legal helpline

BVA members can access a free legal advice line 24 hours a day, 365 days, a year to speak to a team of specialist legal advisors about any professional or personal subject.

Our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to us on the phone, by email or through 1-2-1 counsellor chat. Whatever feels best for you.

We’re the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Join us in the fight for every childhood.

*** NB Childline & NSPCC now work together both websites have lots of useful information

No matter what your age or where you live in Scotland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.

Lifeline counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and help, in confidence.

Lifeline counsellors are experienced in working with trauma, suicide, self-harm, abuse, depression and anxiety. You will receive immediate help on the phone. Should you need further support we can provide a face-to-face counselling appointment in your local area within seven days.

Rural Support provides a listening and signposting service for farmers and rural families across Scotland through its helpline. We can also provide face to face support, help you source information and advice about a wide range of issues.
Everyone’s circumstances are different. We will take time to listen carefully to your concerns and needs and we will work with you to find the best way ahead.
Help with family issues. Changing family circumstances such as relationship breakups or bereavement, planning for the future, whether it be making a will or considering retirement, can cause worry and stress. Having someone to talk to outside of the family can help.

Help with health issues Isolation, loneliness and lack of access to services can lead to feelings of stress and depression. Our volunteers understand the challenges and issues facing farmers and rural dwellers. They have experience in helping individuals deal with various issues and providing support in making difficult decisions.

When you contact us we will:
Listen/Not judge/Keep information confidential/Only do what you want us to do/Agree the next steps with you.

We can support you by:
Listening/Visiting/Accompanying/Helping you find advice/Explaining /Mentoring.

All calls are confidential and the helpline operates from 8am to 11pm, seven days a week (voicemail and support options available at all other times).

You don’t have to be suicidal.

Find out why our service works and what you can expect when contacting us.
If you have any concerns about our service before you try it, hear from others about how we’ve helped them. Please don’t suffer alone.