Farmers invited to take part in free wellbeing programme
20th January 2025
Farmers and growers across the UK are set to benefit from a free-to-attend initiative aimed at improving inner wellbeing while transforming food systems.
The Calmer Farmer Programme, a free 10-week online course, will launch in February 2025, offering participants evidence-based embodiment practices designed to reduce stress, enhance connection, and revitalise their approach to farming.
The organisers said that with farming ranked as one of the most demanding professions, the Calmer Farmer Programme addresses a critical need for accessible and practical wellbeing support.
By dedicating just 10–20 minutes a day, participants can experience tangible benefits, including:
- Greater calm and presence: Tools to ease stress and cultivate peace even during peak farming seasons.
- Improved energy and flow: Techniques to unlock stuck energy, regulate the nervous system, and enhance vitality.
- Deeper connection: Practices to strengthen relationships, connect with the land, and foster a sense of belonging to the natural world.
Helping farmers navigate challenges
Dan McTiernan, programme facilitator and certified transpersonal psychology coach: “We understand the challenges farmers face daily.
“This programme is designed to help farmers navigate those challenges with a sense of calm, clarity, and connection, creating a ripple effect that benefits not only their personal wellbeing but also the broader food systems they are part of.”
The programme’s flexible design makes it accessible for busy farmers:
• Weekly audio lessons (10–30 minutes).
• Daily guided practices (10–20 minutes).
• Reflective prompts to deepen understanding.
• Live online community for support and connection.
• Three live integration sessions and supplemental resources for continued learning.
The organisers said that the initiative is more than just a wellbeing course; it is also a research project funded to explore how inner practices can support broader food systems transformation.
Facilitated by a team of leading experts, including Dr. Jessica Bockler, co-founding director, Alef Trust, Dr. Julia Wright, Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience at Coventry University, and Dr. Joan Walton, York St John University, the programme offers farmers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research into the connections between wellbeing and farming practice, while enhancing their own lives.
Enrolment for the February 2025 cohort opens in January. Farmers are encouraged to join the mailing list at www.calmerfarmer.org to secure their place.
Beyond the 10 weeks, participants will have the opportunity to continue their journey through a seven-month live online practice and research group, offering deeper integration of the embodiment practices and sustained community support.
About Calmer Farmer
The Calmer Farmer project is an initiative by Alef Trust, involving leading experts in psychology, regenerative food systems, and agroecology. Funded by A Team Foundation as a pilot research initiative, the programme is delivered by a dedicated team passionate about supporting farmers and fostering food system resilience.
For more information, please e-mail directly to jessica.bockler@aleftrust.org.
Find more shows and events in our hub.
