NFU leaders pledge to take on farmer mental health training

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), NFU president Tom Bradshaw and NFU director general Terry Jones have pledged to undertake farming charity Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution’s (Rabi’s) mental health training.

The Rabi mental health training is intended to build greater resilience within the farming community, supporting people to have more open conversations about their mental health and wellbeing.

See also: Farm Doctor: How to spot signs of poor mental health

In recognition of their close relationship and involvement with farmers, Mr Jones said of the decision: “We are both people who interact with farmers and people involved in the business of farming, and we can see first hand the impacts that mental health can have on those individuals.

“Together, we are pledging to undertake the Rabi mental health training in the coming weeks.”

The farming-focused training is available as either a half-day, one-day or two-day course, and is delivered by a specialist in mental health training.

The courses discuss topics such as understanding common mental health conditions, recognising signs and symptoms, how to help others access support, and looking after your own mental health.

An aftercare service is available to each person that attends the Rabi training course, so that they will always have help when facing difficult conversations and situations.

More information on the training courses is available online.