Big Farming Tea-Break campaign launches in February

A nationwide mental health campaign is due to launch at livestock markets, agricultural colleges, and Young Farmers’ clubs in February to promote respect and mental wellbeing in farming.

The Big Farming Tea-Break campaign is being organised by Farmers Weekly 2023 farming champions Andy and Lynda Eadon, from Warwickshire, in collaboration with the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies).

It is designed to get people in rural communities talking and raise money for farming charities.

See also: Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Farming Champion of the Year

The week-long campaign will coincide with Mind Your Head Week, which takes place from 12-16 February.

Andy and Lynda’s son Len Eadon took his own life two years ago and, since then, the couple have been campaigning to raise awareness of mental health in rural areas.

They will be attending events across England, Wales, and Scotland during the week, supported by the Livestock Auctioneers Association.

Andy told Farmers Weekly that everyone has a voice, everyone has a value, and everyone deserves respect.

He said: “Head to your local livestock market, Young Farmers’ meeting, university or college to enjoy a tea, coffee, cake, and a chat.”

Len’s legacy

On 14 February, which would have been Len’s 25th birthday, Andy and Lynda will be hosting an event at The Farmers Club in London, with delegates from the agricultural industry and a number of farming charities, to ask the City of London for respect for the rural community and farmers.

Andy and Lynda will also be leaving a legacy in Len’s name to help future young farmers and the wider farming sector.