Prince William helps launch 2025 Mind Your Head campaign

Prince William has helped launch this year’s Mind Your Head campaign organised by the Farm Safety Foundation, emphasising the importance of addressing mental health challenges in farming, such as loneliness and rural isolation.

The five-day campaign launched on Monday (10 February), and includes a series of roundtable discussion events.

The first was held at East Scryne Farm in Carnoustie, Scotland, where the prince joined five members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs from the Angus area.

See also: Rough season brings mental health reflection

Prince William said: “I am conscious that [farming] is an area that needs maybe a little bit of support and understanding – that there is access and support out there for young farmers.

“Because I think in the farming world it’s [mental health] maybe not talked about as much as in other sectors – and yet we know it exists.”

This year’s campaign, running from 10-14 February, is focusing on love and positivity, to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation (aka Yellow Wellies), said: “Farming has always been one of the most demanding industries, but the added strain of long hours, rural isolation, and financial insecurity is putting farmers at risk.”

© Farm Safety Foundation

Mental wellbeing

Recent research shows a decline in mental wellbeing among young farmers, with 91% of a survey’s 750 respondents agreeing that poor mental health is the “biggest hidden problem” facing the industry.

In addition to roundtable events, the campaign encourages conversations about mental health and shares real stories from the farming community.

The importance of seeking help is central to the campaign’s messaging.

Prince William asked the young farmers what they do to look after their wellbeing.

William Grant, a past chair of Strathmore JAC and from a family mixed arable and beef farm, said: “It’s a constant cycle of work, work, work, but then if there’s a Young Farmers meeting, you might just go to that.”

Alistair McCarthy, who works on a livestock farm, said: “It’s easy to be your own critic, but you need to look for the light ahead.”

Lois Scott, young farmer and member of Forfar JAC,  said: “Sometimes it takes someone asking, ‘Are you OK’? We (SAYFC) have the ‘Are ewe OK?’ campaign, and Yellow Wellies can give you a lot of help.”

© Farm Safety Foundation