Give –  Minding our heads together

Our final theme of the week is ‘Give’ so, as the organisation who founded and funded the Farm Safety Foundation in 2014, we asked the Chairman of NFU Mutual, Jim McLaren MBE to give us his thoughts on the importance NFU Mutual place on giving…

 

“I wear my Yellow Wellies badge proudly – as NFU Mutual’s Chairman, and as a farmer.

Mandatory Credit : Chris O’Donavan, Samaritans

NFU Mutual set up the Farm Safety Foundation back in 2014, and the charity is making great strides to champion positive outcomes for both physical and mental wellbeing for our farming communities.

The Mind Your Head campaign brings our industry together, to raise awareness and understanding of good mental wellbeing and the support that is available, but also to recognise the importance of talking about how we’re feeling – the good and the bad – and looking out for one another, too.

I understand the challenges and uncertainties farmers face on a daily basis, so many of which are beyond our control. We get on with things. That’s what we do – we’re a wonderfully resilient, resourceful and resolving community. But sometimes we do need to seek help if things get too much – and that is never a sign of weakness.

The Foundation’s ‘Little Book Of Minding Your Head’ is a great resource to find out more about mental wellbeing, with information and advice on how you can look after yourself and take care of others. It also lists many of the fantastic organisations across the UK who are offering emotional support and practical help.

Funding is so important for these mental health support charities to enable them to continue to be there for us at all times.  NFU Mutual has been determined to support good causes across the UK working incredibly hard to deliver essential services for our customers and communities.  Through the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, we’re proud to be donating funds to organisations including Rural Support, RSABI, Tir Dewi, FCN and RABI who are all making a wonderful difference for our farming community.

NFU Mutual has also been a proud charitable partner of Samaritans since 2020 to support their response to the impact of the pandemic, including reaching those most at risk and those in rural communities. Last year, I was privileged to have the opportunity to feature in a short film for Samaritans’ ‘Real People, Real Stories’ campaign.  These are still uncertain times, and we know that Samaritans is currently concerned about the rising cost of living and its impact on people’s wellbeing.

Please take a look at the great resources the Farm Safety Foundation have available CLICK HERE and share with your family and friends. We must all be kind to ourselves, as we are to each other. Let’s mind out for each other and mind our heads together.”

To learn more about the sources of support for those living and working in farming, please CLICK HERE and remember, support is always available – you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever you may be worried about.

stephanie_berkeley_zl4u2oa9Give –  Minding our heads together

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