To the river outside, and d be easier to jump in...’
people about what had happened, the more he realised the help was out there – it was simply not signposted properly.
“I don’t want to preach – what worked for me may not work for others – but medical help is available for those who need it,” he said.
“We just need to raise the profile of what’s available and, thanks to the “Having made links with the farming community, we were aware that it was difficult for farmers to find support when it was most needed. Financial worries, social isolation, emotional and relationship problems and physical stress can all contribute to poor mental health.
“Our research told us that there was a need for accessible and confidential local businesses.
The initiative is also being backed by Gwynedd Council, Dolgellau Town Council, NFU Cymru and the FUW.
Huw Jones, of FUW Meirionnydd, said that with farming on the cusp of major post-Brexit change and the uncertainty and anxiety this brings, services such as those offered by the Dolgellau Hospital team were more important than ever.
“Farming can be a lonely and isolated job for many, but there is always someone prepared to listen, to talk, and farmers need to realise that they are not alone,” he said.
“We at the FUW are here to help in every way we can.”
Steven Evans Jones, a healthcare support worker at the Dolgellau hub, said there was a need for more rural community hospitals to reach out to farmers and other community groups.
“There is a very real and unmet need in our community for farmers who are distressed,” he said.
“If it is happening in our community, then it is likely to be the case in other rural areas of Wales.”
Alun Elidyr is still farming his sheep and Welsh Black cattle, as well as presenting the current series of Ffermio.
Getting back on an even keel wasn’t easy. Cae Coch went without Basic Payments and Glastir income for two years while Alun reestablished himself as a sole trader. The Welsh Government, he said, was very supportive – but he was left with a large tax bill, having spent nothing on the farm to offset his liabilities.
He was delighted to be asked to support the Dolgellau healthcare initiative.
“I read somewhere that 40% of all patients visiting their GPs do so with mental health issues,” he said.
“However 40% of the budgets aren’t allocated to this area – there’s a huge mismatch.
“Being in a high-profile position meant it wasn’t easy to know how to handle my condition, but I’ve realised I now can use it to do something about an issue that isn’t going away.”
For advice or support, contact the Farming Community Network helpline on 03000 111999. It’s open 7am-11pm, seven days a week.