Mental health

Jude McCann, FCN CEO

Dorset farmer Jennifer

CAN you honestly say you have never had a troubled day, or sleepless night, worrying how you will cope? Such days hit us all. But for some – the feeling doesn’t go away.

Mental ill-health is rising, as farming faces some of the biggest changes it has seen since 1947. Almost 90% of farmers under the age of 40 now rank poor mental health as their greatest concern.

This growing epidemic may affect you, someone in your family, or someone you know. No rural community is immune. So what can be done?

The good news is plenty of support exists. One such organisation is the Farming Community Network, which has a helpline with over 400 volunteers available to provide nonjudgemental assistance and a wide range of support materials.

Key to coping is to focus on what can be influenced, rather than the many changes which are beyond the control of individual farmers, says Dr Jude McCann, Chief Executive Officer at FCN and a Farmers Club member.

“FCN is well placed to assist and guide those who may find themselves overwhelmed by the pace of changes, isolation and the pressures experienced,” he says. “We don’t have all the answers, but our online FarmWell platform, for example, provides farmers across the UK with useful, non-biased information to help inform their decision making and to better develop plans for the future.”

Volatile markets, dwindling support, red-tape, climate change, succession issues, isolation – many factors pile pressure on beleaguered farm businesses, challenging farmers, farmworkers and their families as never before.

Farming’s traditional responses of ‘pull up your bootstraps’ or ‘knuckle down and work through it’ don’t help. ‘Tough as old boots’ is no longer the right mantra.

Younger farmers increasingly take a different tack. “Mental wellbeing is something we are becoming increasingly conscious of,” says Ben Chilman, who won the 2022 Farmers Club Pinnacle Business Management Award whilst at Harper Adams University. “Having set up an agricultural podcast focusing on mental health called The EweTurn Podcast, I have first-hand met and interviewed people who have been directly affected, and firmly believe it is a topic we should be encouraging open conversations around”.

More challenging is the older generation, who may work 18 hour days, down a long farm track, with little time off-farm. Can governments help? Mental ill-health is regularly raised at consultations and research findings presented, but central support has not been forthcoming – so far.

A culture shift is needed, says Alex Phillimore, Head of Communications and Development at FCN. With a non-farming background he was shocked by farming’s high accident and suicide rate. “There is a clear need for strong legislative support around mental well-being, as well as health and safety.”

“I think a lot of people in farming find it hard to relate to policy messages, to understand ‘what it means to me’,” says Alex. As financial support is slowly phased out he anticipates pressures worsening.

“There is so much new information being presented, and it is often accessible through online resources, which some people can struggle to access. Farmers are busy doing the day job, and maybe haven’t had a chance to find out what is happening; and some may be carrying on ‘business as usual’ and hoping for the best.”

FarmWell supporter Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) echoes the concerns. “Our farmers are the best in the world and they are rightly proud of how well they take care of their land, their livestock and their machinery. The problem is they put themselves quite far down the list.”

Helping farmers protect and improve their own mental health is an FCN goal. “Farming is more than a job, and FCN is helping farmers prepare for their future, building resilience to navigate the changes and challenges ahead,” says Janatha Stout, a Farmers Club Committee member and former Head of Operations at FCN supporter NSF Agriculture Northern Europe.

Be sensitive to others who may be in need, urges Andrea Beddows, an FCN Regional Support Officer in the Midlands, and a Farmers Club Under 30s past Chairman. “Farmers Club members are well known for their strong networks and the close links they have with rural communities. The forthcoming uncertainties mean now, more than ever, it is important to look out for the wellbeing of fellow farming families, encouraging them to seek support from farming charities that understand the issues they may be facing, and can help proactively plan for change where possible. Members might even consider becoming county volunteers themselves – connecting with, listening and supporting all members of farming families, whatever their backgrounds and ages.”

Offering a relaxing, calm, meeting place for members, away from all the stresses of daily life, is where The Farmers Club can help, adds General Manager Virginia Masser. “Everyone is welcome in this home-fromhome. Providing a caring place of fellowship, mutual support and camaraderie, whatever your circumstances, is what The Farmers Club has always been about.”

As the winter draws in be better informed, see a fresh perspective, find support, including details of numerous other organisations: www.farmwell.org.uk Twitter @FCNcharity Instagram @fcncharity Facebook @TheFarmingCommunityNetwork LinkedIn The Farming Community Network

400+ volunteers support 6,000+ people/year

• Mood swings • Feeling tense / useless • Worried / nervous • Not sleeping well • Changed eating habits • Poor concentration • Tired or forgetful – Stay involved, keep in touch, inc via social media – If they want to talk, just listen – Ask what you can do – Remember: they’re still the same person

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reading this booklet could seriously enhance your health.”