‘Inspirational’ farmers recognised by PM for mental health work

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has given a Points of Light Award to Sam and his wife Emily, who set up the ‘We are Farming Minds’ charity in September 2020 after Sam’s own suicide attempt.

Poor mental health is estimated to be 46% higher in farming than in other occupations, with the suicide rate being one of the highest in any industry. Despite a lifelong ambition to be a farmer, Sam struggled with the isolation that often comes with it.

He found that talking helped his recovery and felt that if there had been somebody to speak to about his worries, he may have been able to seek help before reaching a crisis point.

We are Farming Minds runs a befriending service and a dedicated 24-hour helpline which is staffed by trained volunteers, and provides funding for farmers to access professional counselling services.

Currently based in Herefordshire, the couple also work closely with other rural support groups in the rest of the UK. They run a range of free social events throughout the year which include an over 50s monthly meet, a support group for women in farming and family social events, all of which help break the isolation that can often be felt in farming.

The Points of Light Award for Sam and Emily comes during Mental Health Awareness Week, part of a campaign to increase people’s awareness and understanding of mental health issues and to provide helpful information and resources.

Every weekday the prime minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Points of Light Award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.

Farming minister Mark Spencer said: “Farming is all about providing for others, but it is crucial to remember that there is no shame in seeking help for yourself.

“I want to commend the invaluable work being done by Sam and Emily with We Are Farming Minds to break the stigma of mental health and loneliness in our agricultural communities.”

Sam and Emily’s local MP, the Rt Hon Jesse Norman, added: “This is a fantastic initiative. ‘We are Farming Minds’ is one of the nation’s first farmer specific 24-hour helplines, and is already helping farmers all across the UK who are struggling with the mental health challenges that come with the demanding nature of their work and lives.

“I wish Sam and Emily the very best of luck, and wholeheartedly congratulate them on becoming the 2039th and 2040th Points of Light.”

Commenting on their award Sam and Emily said: “We feel very honoured to be receiving the Points of Light award. It’s amazing to be recognised for the hard work our charity does to support farmers and their mental health within the Herefordshire community.

“We hope that winning this award will help to raise the profile of the charity and encourage more people struggling to come forward and ask for help.”

For further information visit: https://www.wearefarmingminds.co.uk