Agricultural alliance set to support mental health

A new coalition focused on mental health support is being launched, aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to services for both agricultural workers and their advisers.

The initiative named “AgriWellbeing Alliance” is supported by the Crown Estate, Mates in Mind, National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), IOSH Rural Industries Group, Agrii, the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), and Farming Community Network.

See also: Farmers share their wellbeing tips

The alliance hopes to work together to provide support for farmers, as well as individuals who regularly visit farms and unintentionally take on the role of “accidental counsellors,” such as agronomists and consultants.

Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive, said: “Agricultural contractors can be under extreme pressure themselves, but may also take on the concerns of their customers.

“Talking is a great healer and it’s fantastic if the industry can share its worries, but we also need to be certain that everyone is properly supported with help signposted.”

Professor David Rose and his team at Harper Adams University are supporting the alliance by developing a survey that has been sent out to agronomists, land agents, and contractors who visit farms.

Prof Rose said: “The academic research shows the importance of expanding the safety net of support available to the farming community.

“Our initial findings are showing that land agents, agronomists, and contractors [among others] are being confided in by farmers, and these advisers would like more support.

“Equipping these ‘accidental counsellors’ with the knowledge, confidence, and support to look after their own mental wellbeing, as well as to spot signs of stress in farmers and signpost them towards sources of help, is vitally important.”

The alliance will launch at 2pm today (15 January) at the Lamma event, held at the NEC in Birmingham, in the live presentation area.