Former Royal Marines and farming charity RSABI are working together to deliver a new mental health initiative for Scottish agriculture.
The Mental Health First Aid training is aimed at encouraging the industry to talk more freely about mental health, reducing stigma and improving understanding.
The initiative offers the opportunity for participants to gain certification in the SCQF Level 4 Award for First Aid for Mental Health Awareness and/or SCQF Level 5 Award in First Aid for Mental Health.
The training will be aimed at organisations and individuals who work regularly in the front line with farmers or crofters, including those involved in assessments or inspections, consultants and advisers.
The training is being delivered in a new partnership between RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, and IED Training Solutions Ltd, an award-winning consultancy founded by former Royal Marines.
Both organisations say the aim of it is to provide individuals with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions and know how to provide support for a person who is suffering.
Participants will be trained to develop the skills to start a conversation and to be able to direct people to appropriate professional help.
Seven training courses have so far been delivered during a pilot phase, including five with assessors and staff from Food Integrity Assurance, who undertake assessments on behalf of both Quality Meat Scotland and Scottish Quality Crops.
Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, said the innovative training could make a significant difference in the Scottish agricultural community.
“There are many synergies between the Royal Marines and farming – from working in all weathers and challenging terrain to antisocial hours, time away from family and public scrutiny.
“This initiative comes at a time when there are some really encouraging green shoots of change as farmers and others working in agriculture become more open about talking about mental health.”
IED Training Solutions was set up in 2015 by former Royal Marine Ian Clark. He sad his team were excited to be working in collaboration with RSABI to deliver the initiative.
“We have a great deal of respect and admiration for the work of the farming community to both provide food and look after the land,” said Mr Clark.
“During recent times some great work has been done in the Royal Marines to encourage a really positive approach to achieving good mental health and we are very much looking forward to sharing that experience with the farming community.
"I think this training, and the cascade effect of the benefit, could be a major step forward for the industry.”
Major Hugh Jones, a former Royal Marine with 35 years’ service, is leading on the delivery of the courses. He said it important for farmers to recognise mental health conditions.
During the training, Major Jones also explains the signs to look out for when visiting farmers or crofters, saying that subtle changes could be an indication something is wrong.
“Don’t hesitate to ask them how they are. Say if they don’t seem themselves and you are worried and above all be kind – you wouldn’t believe how much impact that can have.”
RSABI provides emotional support, including a free counselling service, as well as practical and financial support.
The free, confidential support service is available 24/7 by calling 0808 1234 555 or using the webchat service on the RSABI website.
