Support for Farmers on World Mental Health Day

This year, World Mental Health Day focuses on mental health in the workplace which is particularly important for RSPCA Assured farmers and others working in the agriculture industry.

Being a farmer involves long hours of working alone, and when the workplace (the farm) is also your home, it makes avoiding stress, sharing problems or leaving the job behind to take a mental break at the end of the day extremely difficult.

Training to support farmers

One of our assessors has recently begun training to support farmers on the Farming Community Network (FCN) helpline. We caught up with her to talk about the resources available to farmers, and why it is so important for all of us to reach out if we need support.

She told us: “At RSPCA Assured, we work with farmers who genuinely care about their animals. I often think about the stresses of my daily life with a child, husband and two dogs, and think ‘What would it be like if I had a few hundred or even thousands more animals to care for as well?’

Hard to switch off

“That’s what it’s like for our farmers. They are always thinking about the needs of their animals and it’s tough to switch off and leave the job behind. That’s before you even think about other parts of life that need attention, like raising children, making time for relationships and managing money.”

Farming challenges

“Then you add in geographical factors, like remoteness and the lack of community support available in some places. Farmers are also affected by environmental issues such as flooding or drought and devastating animal diseases like avian influenza, blue tongue and African swine fever.”

Always reach out for help

“No day is the same and farmers face challenges every day. It’s important they know they are not alone and that there is support out there for everyone. I always say happy farmer, happy farm and you can feel that difference when you visit.

It’s always better to reach out if you find your mental health is suffering. There are people and organisations that want to help and asking for support is the first step to feeling better. It is true for farmers and office workers alike.”

Support available for farmers

FCN (Farming Community Network) - Pastoral and practical assistance for anyone in the farming community, particularly farmers and farming families. The helpline 03000 111 999 is available from 7 am - 11 pm and will be answered in person 365 days a year, or you can email help@fcn.org.uk.
You Are Not Alone, the YANA Project - rural mental health support - Confidential support, mental health awareness and funding for counselling for those in farming and rural trades in Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcestershire. They also have a directory of regional support groups and key national charities which can specifically help those in rural communities.
The DJP Foundation - mental health support covering rural communities in Wales.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) - financial help for farming families facing hardship. Support is offered on a short and long-term basis. Call the free helpline at 0800 188 4444.
Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RASBI) - Practical, emotional and financial support to those in the Scottish agriculture industry. Helpline at 0808 1234 555.
The Addington Fund - Disaster relief and houses for families in England and Wales who need to leave their industry (and homes) through no fault of their own.
The NFU - For a comprehensive list of local organisations and other national organisations that can help with wellbeing and support.
Yellow Wellies - Advice on attitudes to risk-taking and poor mental health in the next generation of farmers (under 40).

General mental health support

Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) leading a movement against suicide - call 0800 585858 or use webchat, open 5 pm to midnight 365 days a year.
Talk you your GP - find advice on how to speak about mental health.

Mental Health Foundation
The Samaritans - call 116 123 for free support 24 hours a day.
Shout - 24/7 text messaging service text 85258.
Mind offering support, resources and legal and welfare advice.

World Mental Health Day: Thursday 10th October 2024

World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and help people find the support they need when facing challenges. This year, the theme for World Mental Health Day is “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace“.

What is mental health?

The Mental Health Foundation describes mental health as: “…the way we think and feel and our ability to deal with the ups and downs of life. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health”. For this year’s theme, they have a free guide and suggest 10 tips for helping mental health at work: