With over a third of farmers we surveyed wanting to learn more about mental health, we have done some legwork and researched a few of the charities across the country who offer FREE mental health training for those in the agricultural industry. There are probably more so, if you offer free training, we’d love to help spread the word so please do get in touch…
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) have a wealth of services to support farming communities and offer accredited/certified mental health training tailored for the farming sector. The training provides a valuable tool for the agricultural community to help them feel comfortable talking about how they are feeling.
Three levels of farming-focused training are available, all delivered by a specialist provider.
“We are increasingly being approached by organisations and individuals who want to develop the skills to open conversations around mental health with friends, colleagues, customers and clients. This training will equip trainees with the tools to start conversations about wellbeing with confidence,” says Suzy Deeley, RABI’s Head of Partnerships.
A unique feature of the training is the provision of aftercare for trainees. Anyone who receives training will have access to ongoing support, so no one shoulders the weight of those difficult conversations alone.
These services are delivered in partnership with Red Umbrella, a not-for-profit specialist provider of accredited mental health counselling, mental health training and aftercare support.
To learn more, visit the website or email mentalhealthtraining@rabi.org.uk
The DPJ Foundation provides ‘Mental Health Awareness Training’ which is their own bespoke agricultural training package. Over 1,500 people have received this training since its introduction in August 2018.
The sessions aim to help participants understand how to support those with poor mental health and look after themselves. The training days are based on providing information and facts around mental health issues in Wales and the UK and, in particular, the agricultural sector, as well as offering practical tools to help.
They explore the most common mental health conditions and explain a five-step skill system that gives a clear understanding of how to support individuals with poor mental health. Individual places are available free of charge.
To learn more, email training@dpjfoundation.co.uk or call 07984 169652.
Yorkshire Rural Support Network have a free farming-focused mental health awareness course at Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart taking place on Thursday 27th February.
Delivered by RABI, this half-day course covers the basic tools to recognise signs of those experiencing poor mental health, whilst also recognising the importance of self-care.
The course starts at 10am and finishes at 2pm and features:
- Understanding mental health and its importance
- Recognising key signs and symptoms
- Looking after your own wellbeing
- Lunch is included during the break.
The course is offered free of charge thanks to funding secured by the Yorkshire Rural Support Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and partners in the North of England from the DEFRA Farmer Welfare Fund and is part of an ongoing program of events dedicated to supporting farmer welfare.
Bookings close on Thursday 20th February 2025. To learn more, visit https://yas.co.uk/mental-health-course-february-2025/
Herefordshire-based We are Farming Minds are another charity offering funded training to the farming community, which they run in partnership with Herefordshire Mind.
Their session aims to provide individuals with the skills to identify warning signs and signals, using the tools provided to support those with poor mental health.
The topics included in this training are:
- What is mental health?
- Mental health in agriculture
- Impacts of mental health
- Barriers and stigma
- Suicide and self-harm
- Stressors and warning signs
- Strategies to manage emotions
- Case studies and using the training going forward in different situations
- Support networks and useful contacts
To learn more, call 07951 871161 or email wafmassist@gmail.com
Scotland’s main farming charity RSABI have been working with Former Royal Marines at IED Training to deliver their free Mental Health First Aid Awareness Training for the Scottish agricultural sector which is funded by NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.
Knowing mental health and wellbeing is a real concern for many in the industry, the aim of their initiative is to encourage people to talk more freely about mental health, reduce stigma, improve understanding about what to look out for and to increase confidence in how to respond if you think someone is struggling.
Participants can gain certification in the SCQF Level 4 Award for First Aid for Mental Health Awareness and/or SCQF Level 5 Award in First Aid for Mental Health. The training is available to organisations and individuals working regularly with farmers or crofters, including those involved in assessments or inspections, consultants and advisers.
The training aims to:
- provide individuals with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions
- know how to provide practical support for a person presenting with a mental health condition
- help participants to develop the skills to start a conversation and to be able to direct people to appropriate professional help
- help those who take part understand more about their own mental health.
To learn more, email mentalhealthtraining@rsabi.org.uk
And finally, the Heath & Safety Executive Working Minds campaign also offer free online learning for practical advice on preventing work-related stress.
To learn more CLICK HERE
