The agricultural industry is being urged to help combat the impact of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues on an increasing number of British farmers.
Agricultural charities are reporting an increase in the number of calls to their helplines with mental health difficulties on the rise.
The NFU has joined forces with Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Rural Support Network and Barclays to urge everyone in the agricultural supply chain to "help take the strain".
NFU regional director Adam Bedford said awareness of farming's "hidden struggle" is growing, and all farmers have a responsibility to help each other.
Despite concerted efforts over the last few years to promote the importance of health and safety on farm, the industry continues to have a poor safety record.
Increasing stress is seen as a key factor in the number of accidents – which annually result in an average of 32 fatalities across the UK.
Mr Bedford said mental health problems are "very difficult to talk about", and the "unique nature" of farming life can "exacerbate" the situation.
“Farmers often working in isolation, working very long hours and facing unique problems beyond their control – for example falling farmgate prices, weather impacts and late payments of farm support,” he said.
“Given this challenge and the fact that all too often farmers do not prioritise their health and are often reluctant to ask for help, we hope to encourage everyone involved in the farming industry – from our own group secretaries to vets, feed reps, grain buyers and the like - to do everything possible to help farmers struggling to cope with the increasing pressures they are under.”
Raising awareness
An upcoming conference to be held on Thursday 22 March at the Great Yorkshire Showground will hear from a range of speakers who will talk about how the industry is raising awareness of mental health.
David Martin will provide a farmer’s perspective, highlighting how pressures can build up and emphasising the importance of keeping in touch with friends and neighbours.
Peter Waistell, an NFU group secretary, will talk about his first-hand experience of helping a farmer through a mental health crisis, and psychotherapist Aarun Naik and consultant psychiatrist Dr Hany El Sayeh will explore how to spot the signs of mental health issues.
Sally Conner, from farming charity RABI, will outline some of the help and support available.
Commenting, Kate Dale from Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “Through our Rural Support Network, we work hard to mitigate some of the causes of mental health conditions by offering farmer health checks at marts and machinery shows, holding farming community lunches and events for women living and working on farms.
“If someone in a farming family is suffering from stress or depression, it can have a very real impact on the rest of the family and on the business itself.
“With statistics showing one agricultural worker suicide every week, everyone working in the wider industry needs to be aware of how to spot signs and how they might be able to help. We are delighted to be part of this event.”
The NFU has recently launched its #SeeItChangeIt campaign at the NFU’s annual conference – its latest initiative to improve safety and well-being on farms.
