NEED HELP? Support is out there
Yellow Wellies / Farm Safety Foundation. Projects on all aspect of agricultural safety, including mental health. Download their Mind Your Head booklet at
www.yellowwellies.org/resources/
The Farming Community Network
www.farmwell.org.uk Focusing on all aspects or resilience in the farming community.
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)
https://rabi.org.uk/ charity supporting the farming community. Includes helpline, online chat and mental health training.
Workright Campaign
https://workright.campaign.gov.u k/campaigns/working-minds/ Government campaign and resources including online learning and links to further help.
many poultry farmers risk averse for a time. Members lost their jobs through this.
“An example of how much the government has been behind the curve is the ONS (Office for National Statistics) revision of its figures for agriculture between 2016 and the end of 2021, which show a contraction of 7 per cent instead of an increase of 11.7 per cent which was their previous stat.”
Said Unite senior workplace rep Monique Mosley, “Some studies
have found that farmers and farm workers are at higher risk of mental ill health and suicide.
“Working long hours, agricultural crime and poor physical health can cause mental ill health but rural isolation, stigma, lack of awareness and increasing financial pressures all play a role. Other factors such as rural poverty, climate change, and
policy changes are often forgotten about. Isolation, lack of mental health education and a digital divide are all barriers to support.
“But this can change. Education is key but understanding that mental health can be an issue in the farming community is the first step. Demanding that policy changes are fair, clear and include social dialogue (which covers environment, housing, and income) is a political point.
“There is more to rural living and farming than tractors and cattle. Unions can help in this, and members always have access to help, support, and education. New studies must be undertaken to assess the current levels of mental health in farming and the results must be published openly. But just talking to each other, having access to support, and understanding that mental ill health is not a taboo can make a world of difference and even save lives!”
33 uniteLANDWORKER Spring 2024
Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/wale s/how-we-can-help/contact- samaritan/ phone 116 123 (any area). Talk about any problems, anonymously, 24/7. You do not need to be feeling suicidal. Also webchat, email and postal channels.
MIND
www.mind.org.uk/information- support/ all aspects of mental health, including legal rights, accessing therapy and online community.
And don’t forget
Unite your union access to Unite health and safety advice and support for members.
https://tinyurl.com/27d2k4h4
Talk to your Unite Rep or regional office if you need support.
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