Farmers urged to look after mental health

Farmers and crofters have been urged to take better care of their mental and physical health.

The plea from rural charity the Farm Safety Foundation comes in the wake of news from the Office of National Statistics that more than one agricultural worker a week in the UK commits suicide.

The charity said levels of depression in the farming industry are thought to be increasing and suicide rates in agricultural workers are among the highest in any occupational group.

It said its new Mind Your Head campaign sets out to encourage farmers and farming families not to neglect themselves, but to put themselves first, open up and get some help and advice when they need it.

Gina Fusco, chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees, said the campaign sets out to encourage conversations about mental wellbeing and to remind farmers that there are organisations out there who can help.

She said: “The first step to improving your mental wellbeing can be as simple as talking to someone.”