Young farmers launch Respect campaign at Royal Highland Show

The campaign, supported by the Scottish agricultural charity RSABI, aims to encourage every young farmer to play their part in positively contributing to SAYFC, a safe, inclusive and fun environment for young people.  

The initiative promotes healthy relationships, kindness and inclusivity through positive role modelling supported by education, training and awareness-raising. 

Training and education 

As well as promotions at the Royal Highland Show and other events followed by social media activity, the campaign will see the appointment of respect ambassadors in every club throughout Scotland. 

The initiative will be aimed at different priority areas throughout the year, with a focus on training and education.  

As well as mental health first aid, first aid and suicide prevention training, young farmers from each club will also be offered alcohol awareness training supported by RSABI and other organisations that specialise in these areas. 

Beneficial impact on Scottish farming community 

RSABI’s health hut will be located next to the SAYFC building at the Royal Highland Show. This year’s activities will be focused on, among others, alcohol and responsible drinking.  

Supported by DrinkAware and Alcohol Focus Scotland, an interactive display demonstrating how much is in a unit of alcohol will be one of the highlights of the event.  

The campaign will also aim to raise awareness of the organisations that can offer specialist help and support to people who have been affected by any of the issues raised or negative behaviour.  

The organisers hope that, as well as raising awareness among young farmers, the campaign may also have a wider beneficial impact among people of all ages in the Scottish farming community.  

Source of friendship, fun and learning

Penny Montgomerie, chief executive of SAYFC, said: “This campaign builds on work which has been done by SAYFC over recent years to promote an inclusive and safe environment for our members and the wider community, driven by the Development & Wellbeing Committee and the introduction of a new Youth Development Manager staff role. 

“We’re grateful to RSABI for their ongoing support, particularly around promoting positive mental health for young people in the industry.  

“We look forward to working closely with them on the RESPECT campaign to provide 150 young farmers across Scotland with alcohol awareness training.” 

Ally Brunton, SAYFC chair, added that SAYFC is a “vibrant network” that nurtures growth, celebrates achievement, and champions the future of rural Scotland, and is incredibly important for so many young people in the industry.  

“It offers them a support system and enables them to be part of a like-minded community. By fostering a culture of respect and awareness throughout all levels of the organisation, we ensure that our members feel valued and supported, enhancing their well-being and creating a positive impact on the wider community,” he added.  

Help spread the important message

Jillian Kennedy, SAYFC vice-chair added that the campaign is a welcome addition to other ongoing SAYFC initiatives including our “AreEweOkay?” campaign, which encourages members to look after themselves and check in on others.

“We look forward to seeing lots of our members at the SAYFC centre at the Royal Highland Show, where RSABI will also be based, to find out more about the campaign and pick up a free branded t-shirt to help spread the important message of respecting yourself and each other,” she concluded.

Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, welcomed the initiative by saying: “We know that young people across Scotland benefit greatly from the experience of being a member of young farmers as a source of friendship, fun and learning and we are pleased to support the positive steps SAYFC is taking to remind everyone about the importance of inclusivity and respect.  

RSABI provides free emotional, practical, and financial support to people involved in Scottish agriculture. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website.

The charity also offers free licenses to its Thrive Wellbeing app, worth around £100 each, which can be requested by calling the helpline or emailing helpline@rsabi.org.uk. 

Counselling can be arranged simply and quickly, and this is also free of charge.

The Royal Highland Show is an annual event, showcasing the best of food, farming and rural life at Ingliston in Edinburgh. This year’s edition will take place between Thursday 20th and Sunday 23rd June.

Read more rural news.