New support group in Suffolk targets poor mental health
© Adobe Stock Concern over the suicide rate among farmers has prompted the launch of a new support group in Suffolk.
The Suffolk Farming Community Group, which aims to promote mental health and wellbeing in the rural community, was established after the suicides of two young people in the county with links to farming.
See also: How farmers can deal with mental health at times of pressure
Among the people who helped set up the group was Suffolk farmer Emma Reed, who chairs the group.
She said it was the tragic death of a young man from Stowmarket, who was a former Shepherd of the Year, that spurred her and others into action.
The aim was to help change attitudes towards mental health in farming and the rural sector, and to spread the message that “it’s fine not to be fine’’ while signposting individuals to organisations and people trained to help.
While it is well reported that long hours, isolation, lack of sleep, financial difficulties and inspections are impacting on the mental health of farmers of all age groups, this is thought to be particularly so among the younger generation.
Edward Vipond, farm manager at Troston Farms in Stanton and a member of the new group, said the deaths of the two young people in the county this year had “rocked the wider farming community”.
“It seems to be the younger generation, especially people in their mid- to late-twenties who are struggling,” he said.
The group wants to spread awareness while helping to build friendships and provide light relief from the daily work routine.
“We’re not reinventing the wheel and replacing Young Farmers; we want to act as a stepping stone for people to engage with the rural mental health charities, while raising funds for them to continue providing the excellent service and resources for our farming community,” said Mr Vipond.
Quiz launch
The Suffolk Farming Community Group launched with a quiz evening, attended by more than 100 people and supported by businesses, organisations and individuals including Troston Farms, For Farmers and Thurston Rugby Club.
Nine teams competed in the quiz, which was won by a team from Frontier Agriculture.
Team captain Ben Steed, a grain trader, was delighted to be involved.
“Mental health among men in farming is a concern, and I feel Suffolk’s new community group is just what’s needed to raise awareness and allay the stigma around mental health,” he said.
The event raised more than £3,000 and this was donated to the rural mental health support organisation, You Are Not Alone, and the Farming Community Network.
For more information, email emma@reedagriculture.co.uk