Support for Farmers and Agricultural Professionals on World Mental Health Day
Today marks World Mental Health Day 2024. This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Metal Health is prioritising mental health in the workplace.
The workplace for many farmers can be isolating, and due to the difficulties that are faced within the industry, agricultural professionals are at high risk of struggling with their mental health. According to the Farm Safety Foundation, 95% of young farmers say poor mental health is the biggest hidden danger in farming today. Another survey from Farmers Weekly, found that only 55% of farmers feel positive about their mental health.
We would like to take this opportunity to share some helpful resources aimed at supporting individuals in the farming community. Here are the contact details for some useful helplines and charities who can support you during times of need:
YANA (You Are Not Alone)
Rural Mental Health Support – focusing on people in agriculture and rural businesses in East Anglia.
“This helpline provides a confidential listening ear and can lead to funded counselling with no waiting list.”
Call 0300 323 0400 or email helpline@yanahelp.org. Speak to someone directly every Monday to Friday (10am to 1pm), or outside of these hours, leave a message to receive a callback.
FCN (The Farming Community Network)
“Whether the issue is personal or business-related, FCN is here for you. We run a confidential, national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm and our volunteers provide free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help.”
Call 03000 111 999 or email help@fcn.org.uk.
We are Farming Minds (HEREFORDSHIRE)
We Are Farming Minds charity has been established to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community in Herefordshire.
“24 hour support is available through our dedicated support line, call 0808 802 0070 or text 07786 203 130.”
https://www.wearefarmingminds.co.uk/
RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution)
RABI is a charity which provides expert mental health and wellbeing support “to uplift and support farming people through practical, financial and emotional assistance, touching the lives of thousands of people every year”.
Call the free, 24-hour helpline on 0800 188 4444, email help@rabi.org.uk or use the online wellbeing platform “Click & Chat”.
RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution)
“RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry. Our support is offered in confidence and is available to those previously and currently involved in farming, crofting and occupations related to agriculture in Scotland.”
Call the free, 24-hour helpline on 0808 1234 555, email helpline@rsabi.org.uk or use their online chat service.
The DPJ Foundation (WALES)
The DPJ Foundation is a Welsh mental health charity to support those in agriculture and rural communities.
“Share the load is our 24/7 confidential counselling referral service which was set up because of the long waiting times associated with counselling and the difficulty in accessing support.”
Call 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048 799.
https://www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk/
The Addington Fund
The Addington Fund is a UK farming charity that comes under the Farming Help umbrella. Our mission is to help farming families with affordable housing
“We exist to support you when you need help the most. By providing housing, and disaster relief in the form of animal feed or services to farmers in need across England and Wales, we stand by your side and help you get back on your feet.”
Call 01926 620135 or email enquiries@addingtonfund.org.uk
https://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/
Other charities and support lines are available, which are not specific to the agricultural sector. These include:
Mind
“We’re Mind, the mental health charity. We’re here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.”
Call 0300 102 1234 (open 9am to 6pm weekdays).
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)
PAPYRUS is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
“Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247. Call 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.”
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
“We’re the suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives.”
Call 0800 58 58 58 (open 5pm to midnight).
SHOUT
“Shout is the UK’s first and only 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere.”
Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Call 116 123 at any time, or email jo@samaritans.org.
Our mental health is vital every day of the year, and today provides an important reminder to take care of our own wellbeing. This World Mental Health Day, don’t forget to also check in with friends and loved ones, starting a conversation may be just what they need.