The Farm Safety Foundation has launched a campaign focusing on mental wellbeing in the farming Industry. Gina Fusco, Chair of the Trustees of the Foundation, outlines the background to focusing on mental health and why this is so important in the context of farm safety…..
Whilst UK farmers are renowned for the attention they give to their livestock, crops and machinery, it appears they do not have such a good track record when it comes to taking care of themselves and their own wellbeing.
Levels of depression in the industry are thought to be increasing and suicide rates in farmers are among the highest in any occupational group (ONS). At the Farm Safety Foundation, we know all too well that, in an industry with the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK, stress is often a key factor in many of the accidents, injuries and illnesses taking place on farms. Stress is something that many farmers face at some point and is an important contributor to mental health problems. It can come from many sources such as financial pressures resulting from market fluctuations, livestock disease or poor harvests, but concerns about Brexit, policies, administration and legislation can also take their toll.
The situation is compounded by the fact that farming tends to be an innately conservative culture and some still perceive a stigma attached to mental health. This can hinder people’s willingness to speak about the issue and to seek help for themselves.
This brand new campaign aims to encourage farmers and farming families not to neglect themselves, but to put themselves first, ‘open up’ and get some help and advice on whatever concerns they have.
Charles W Smith FCNCharles W. Smith, Chief Executive of the FCN explains:
“When it comes to important farm safety equipment, people usually think of tractor roll bars, shedding gates for livestock and high-vis clothing. But there is another piece of kit, which when used properly, is even better – the mind.
“It is very easy to underestimate just how important the mind is when it comes to farming. Along with the body, it is, without doubt, the best bit of kit a farmer can have. The Farm Safety Foundation do amazing work in providing advice and resources about farm safety and encouraging farmers to take all relevant safety precautions before carrying out their work. However, if your mind and body are not well-maintained, as well as your machinery, it is very easy to become less conscious of the dangers around you.”
Charles adds: “Talking to someone about your problems is often the first step to improving your mental wellbeing. But who? If not family or friends, then why not speak to someone you don’t know – someone you have no emotional attachment with, but who has a great understanding of what you may be going through?”
Our funders NFU Mutual are also giving us their full support for this initiative. According to Lindsay Sinclair, Group Chief Executive: “NFU Mutual has been closely connected to the countryside, farmers and their families for over a century.
