Rural expert urges communities to help bolster mental wellbeing

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A RURAL insurance to help keep their rural

expert is calling on communities alive.”

Welsh residents to A RURAL insurance

step up their support expert is calling on Welsh

for local farmers, amid residents to step up their

growing concerns over support for local farmers,

their mental health. amid growing concerns

Freddie Hamiltonover their mental health.

Russell of rural Freddie Hamilton

insurance broker Russell of rural insurance

Lycetts has issued his broker Lycetts has issued

appeal during Mental his appeal during Mental

Health Awareness Health Awareness Week,

Week, when the when the spotlight turns

spotlight turns to the to the pressures faced

pressures faced by by different sectors of the

different sectors of the community.

community. For farmers, the

For farmers, the combination of economic combination of economic instability, market instability, market volatility, red tape, a volatility, red tape, a changing subsidy regime changing subsidy regime and climate change and climate change not only threatens their not only threatens their livelihoods but also risks livelihoods but also risks impacting their mental impacting their mental wellbeing. wellbeing. “Farming is not just a

“Farming is not just a business, it’s a way of life business, it’s a way of life that demands resilience that demands resilience in the face of the myriad in the face of the myriad of evolving challenges,” of evolving challenges,” said Hamilton-Russell. said Hamilton-Russell. “But even the most

“But even the most mentally resilient can mentally resilient can struggle under the weight struggle under the weight of financial and economic of financial and economic uncertainty. It’s important uncertainty. It’s important that residents support the that residents support the local agricultural sector local agricultural sector to help keep their rural communities alive.”

Hamilton- Russell highlighted several ways in which people can make a difference.

“Minor changes in shopping habits can make a big difference,” he said. “From buying local farm produce to help ensure farmers have a steady income to patronising local restaurants that champion local fare.”

In recent years, many farmers have been thrust into diversified enterprises in a bid to survive – from farm shops, cafes and glamping sites to B&Bs, wedding venues and petting farms.

“Residents can help support these new ventures, not only by visiting them, but also by promoting them to friends, family, colleagues and on their social media channels,” HamiltonRussell added.

“In addition, our Welsh farmers also need access to mental health resources that address the unique pressures of the farming sector and wider agricultural communities.

“Organisations such as RABI (The Royal

Agricultural Benevolent Institution) provide an invaluable service to UK farmers, helping them become more resilient and better able to cope with future challenges.

“By fostering awareness and advocating for such dedicated services, we can help safeguard the mental health of our farming community.

“Every individual can contribute to this cause. Whether it’s choosing to buy local, spreading the word about rural enterprises or supporting mental health initiatives, your actions can make a profound difference.”