Farmers have been urged to contact RSABI if they need help or support
Farmers and crofters have been urged to take better care of their health.
The plea from rural charity The Farm Safety Foundation comes amid Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures showing more than one farm worker a week in the UK dies by suicide.
The charity said depression in the industry is an increasing problem, and suicide rates in agriculture are among the highest in any occupation.
It said its new Mind Your Head campaign sets out to encourage farmers and families to put themselves first, open up and get help when they need it.
Gina Fusco – chairman of the board of trustees at The Farm Safety Foundation – said the campaign sets out to encourage conversations around mental wellbeing and to remind farmers there are organisations who want to help.
She said: “The pressures of farming aren’t going to disappear, so as a farmer you need resilience, smart strategies and specific skills to live and farm well. The first step to improving your mental wellbeing can be as simple as talking to someone.”
l The Samaritans, on 116 123, is a 24-hour service for anyone who feels they are struggling and needs to talk to someone in confidence.
