Marking the Farm Safety Foundation’s 4th annual Mind Your Head week, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has urged the Minister to undertake a review of Welsh Government funded rural services, to evaluate the effectiveness of signposting efforts towards the myriad of mental health support networks available.
In a Written Question, Mrs Finch-Saunders asked:
“Can the Minister clarify what steps she has taken to review the effectiveness of Welsh Government signposting towards mental health support networks for our rural communities, and explain how regularly this approach will be reviewed going forward?”
Approximately 88% of young farmers now rate poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem faced by farmers today, up from 82% in 2018. These figures come from a recent survey by the Yellow Wellies charity, which polled 450 farmers under the age of 40.
Underlining the need for a Ministerial commitment, Janet said:
“The striking impact of the pandemic on our local farming community has once again shone a light on the precarious position that many farmers find themselves in, as isolation and long-term financial pressures have been compounded by sudden and uncontrollable external factors.
“Importantly, our rural communities have recognised the corrosive impact of poor mental health. They have responded in kind, working collaboratively to instigate fantastic schemes of support, such as the Tir Dewi helpline and the Farm Safety Foundation’s annual Mind Your Head awareness week.
“With 89% of young farmers believing that talking about mental health in farming will remove any stigma attached to it, it is now incredibly vital that all Welsh Government funded rural services efficiently signpost towards the assistance available. In this case, knowledge certainly is power.
“More must be done to support our farm hands and agricultural workers. This is why I have called on the Minister to undertake an urgent review of the effectiveness of current signposting methods, so that those with the power to assist can quickly change tact if necessary.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- For more information on Mind your Head week, please click here.
- Tir Dewi offer complete confidentiality and their phoneline is available across the Conwy County Borough.Their trained volunteers can put you in touch with partner organisations who can offer specific help and support. Call the helpline free on 0800 121 47 22 or email at [email protected]. The freephone number is available between 7am and 10pm, every day.
- Elsewhere, you can also contact Farming Help free on 03000 111999 or visit www.farminghelp.co.uk to learn more. The helpline, operated by the Farming Community Network, is open 7am-11pm, 365 days of the year.
Photo: Scott Goodwill on Unsplash
