Mental health main factor in calls to charity

NEARLY half of all calls made to the Farming Community Network’s (FCN) support helpline over the past four months have been related to issues of mental health, according to fresh data from the charity.

Mental health is now frequently the most common factor in calls to the helpline from members of the farming community.

The FCN, whose network of over 400 volunteers provide confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, has revealed that concerns around mental health and wellbeing were a factor in 52% of calls in June, 53% of calls in July, 47% of calls in August and 45% of calls in September.

This includes stress and anxiety caused by issues such as financial concerns, relationship problems, Brexit uncertainty and Covid-19.

The new data comes during Ag Mental Health Week, which runs from October 10-16, and the FCN hopes it will help to raise awareness around poor mental health in the farming industry, and encourage change by promoting openness and reducing stigma.

Jude McCann, chief executive of the FCN, explained: “This data presents an important insight into the lived experiences of farmers throughout England and Wales this year. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many farmers and their businesses and 2020 has also brought a range of other challenges – such as flooding and drought, poor crop yields and concerns about the short and long term effects postBrexit rural policy may have on the industry. All of these heighten any feelings of stress and anxiety.

“FCN encourages those living in rural communities to get in touch with us. Whether the issues you’re experiencing are big or small, no one should have to suffer in silence. FCN’s helpline (03000 111 999) is open every day of the year, 7am11pm. Every year we help hundreds of farming families through difficult times. Our volunteers throughout England and Wales, many of whom are from farming backgrounds, are here to help.”

The FCN is helping to support farming resilience in a number of key ways. Earlier this month, the charity launched its ‘Time to Plan’ project. Working with a range of industry partners, FCN is providing helpful resources and insights about the importance of forward planning and responding to changes affecting the industry, which will be available to the farming community through the free FarmWell platform.