Former farmer launches ‘Proud to Farm’ mental health campaign

A former farmworker has launched a campaign selling “Proud to Farm” wristbands to foster greater solidarity within the industry and raise awareness about mental health challenges.

Martin Fox launched the campaign two weeks ago and has since been inundated with support and positive feedback.

The campaign, which sees supporters wear a green wristband sporting the “Proud to Farm” tagline, stems from Martin’s difficult experiences with his own mental health in farming.

He hopes it will help raise awareness, as well as build a greater sense of togetherness and pride within the sector.

See also: Top tips from farmers for good mental health 

Farming is often put down in the media, in particular being used as a scapegoat for the climate crisis, while many positive factors are conveniently forgotten, Martin says.

“Life gets on top of you sometimes; particularly as a man, you can feel like you have no one to go to.”

The physical and visual element of the campaign is important. “I want people to see someone wearing a wristband and see it as a symbol of being a safe person to talk to,” he says.

“The goal is to get as many people as possible talking to each other and continue to break down the stigma of mental health.

“I ordered 200 wristbands to start with in the hope to sell a few – but they sold out in the first two weeks. I’m just so grateful to every single person who has shown support.”

© Martin Fox

To take the campaign one step further, it will be partnering with a farming charity each month, with 10% of the proceeds of all orders being donated.

Customers will be able to vote for the charity of the month through an online poll.

All proceeds that don’t go to charity are used to fund the next batch of products to spread the message.

Martin now intends to add window stickers to the campaign merchandise, which already includes “Proud to Farm” hoodies.  

Anyone wishing to purchase a wristband or hoodie can do so through the link on @agriads on Instagram or TikTok.