Mental Health News

Just under 200 tractors took part in the annual Boxing Day charity event in Larling, Norfolk, raising thousands of pounds for the rural mental health organisation YANA (You Are Not Alone).

The ‘Dorset Lookouts’ is a new initiative that aims to provide a point of contact for farmers experiencing difficulties in the area, making sure they receive the help and support they need to cope with mental health struggles.

RABI will discuss options for professional mental health support for farming people in tough times, at the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC).

A-Plan Rural have launched a Rural Community blog, allowing farmers across the UK to share their experiences of working in the industry.

Farmers were encouraged to look after their health and safety at the Midlands Machinery Show, with a demonstration of what to do if they are involved in or come across a farm accident.

Farming charity RABI is reminding poultry farmers of the support services available following the introduction of Defra’s Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across England.

Researchers have recommended improving connections between farming and non-farming communities, after a new study revealed feelings of loneliness among farmers are exacerbated by the public’s lack of appreciation and understanding of the work they do.

The NFU has led a 130-mile egg and spoon relay, raising more than £6,000 for the rural mental health charity YANA (You Are Not Alone).

Samaritans has launched a campaign to reach men in rural communities who are struggling to cope, as a survey reveals less than half would seek support if they struggled with their mental health.

Welsh rugby referee and beef farmer Nigel Owens spoke candidly of his struggles with mental health, as well as his passion for farming, as he gave the opening address at this year’s British Cattle Breeders’ Club (BCBC) Conference.

With worryingly low levels of mental wellbeing identified by its Big Farming Survey, RABI has launched two new support services. The charity’s proactive response focuses on providing early, preventative wellbeing support for farming people.  

A new campaign launched this week by The Farming Community Network (FCN) charity encourages people across farming and agriculture to recognise the people in their lives that help to support them during difficult times by asking them one simple question: ‘Who’s Your Julie?’.