EDUCATION
As a small charity, we count ourselves very privileged to have the opportunity to influence the next generation of farmers as they make their way into our industry. By meeting young farmers where they are – either at Young Farmers Clubs or at one of the many land-based colleges and universities throughout the UK – we are able to deliver our innovative farm safety training and start to challenge and change the attitudes and behaviours in the next generation of farmers. This is a responsibility we do not take lightly.
Over the past 11 years, we have listened to the feedback the students have offered and we have been continuing to develop and grow our half day Introduction to Farm Safety training sessions. The half day session covers farm safety, mental health and how to have a challenging conversation about both. We offer this course to agriculture students at land-based colleges and universities throughout the UK free of charge. Since May 2015, over 34,000 young farmers across the UK have received our innovative and engaging training and this number continues to grow…
Since May 2015
young farmers in
land-based colleges/universities & YFCs received training
The half day sessions consist of various farm accident scenarios as well as real stories from real farmers that show real consequences of risk taking on farm. With 95% of farmers under 40 saying that mental health is one of the biggest hidden problems in the industry and 91% agreeing that farm safety and mental health are linked, we explore the impact of the issue on the industry, what you can do to look after your physical and mental wellbeing and where you can seek advice, support and help if you need it. We also explore how to have a challenging conversation with someone if they ask you to do a job that you know or even feel is unsafe. How can you do this respectfully, knowing the risks and consequences that may occur?
‘I’d rather lose my job than my life!’
From delivering one pilot training session for 30 students at Moreton Morrell College in 2014 to a LANDEX/NLBC endorsed course delivered to over 30,000 students in 46 different land-based colleges and universities throughout the UK and through the YFC network, our education programme has gone from strength to strength and we are now being asked to deliver our Mental Health in Farming and Farm Safety sessions to membership organisations, businesses and vets practices to support their key staff.
If you are interested in booking a workshop please contact Farm_Safety_Foundation@nfumutual.co.uk
