Farming is more than a profession, it is a way of life. Long hours, physical graft and a culture of “just get on with it” keep the farming industry moving but they can also keep too many silent for too long.
We lose too many people to suicide every year – 47 in England and Wales alone in 2024 according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) – but we can change that if we learn the signs, start honest conversations and signpost timely help, so a struggle does not become a crisis
As members of The Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network (NSPN) – a four-nations initiative launched on World Mental Health Day – we are using this year’s campaign to strengthen access, collaboration and innovation across crisis support, prevention and postvention services for the farming community.
We are a special community and have a unique set of pressures – long hours, isolation, financial uncertainty, generational expectations and physical risk. Conversations about suicide in rural communities require approaches that are real, relatable and rooted in lived experience. Without training designed for the realities of agricultural life, we risk leaving those most vulnerable without the tools they need to recognise warning signs and intervene effectively.
For this reason, we are launching a unique and innovative ‘Suicide Awareness & Prevention’ eLearning module, funded by The Royal Foundation and developed with our NSPN partners Baton of Hope. The module which is being tailored specifically to a farming audience will be the first of its kind in the industry and will be built on best practice and real‑life scenarios. We will be rolling this out to Young Farmers Clubs across the UK throughout 2026.
According to Ben Wilson Clinical Director at Baton of Hope:
Ben Wilson, Baton of Hope
“We are delighted to be partnering with Yellow Wellies, bringing tailored suicide prevention awareness and education to the farming, agricultural and rural communities. Their knowledge and passion for the farming industry means our collaboration will absolutely bring hope and improve and save lives amongst a resilient demographic; which very sadly currently sees far too many deaths by suicide.”
The online course will equip learners to recognise warning signs, use supportive, non-judgmental language, and create simple safety plans – with clear signposting to the specialist help available in the sector.
Karen Hodgson, Associate Director at The Royal Foundation, added:
“We are proud to support this project, led by two of the National Suicide Prevention Network’s partners. It is great to see collaboration in action, bringing innovative approaches to suicide prevention and reaching communities that need it most. This work will make a real difference to those living and working in rural communities across the UK.”
If you want to learn more about this Suicide Awareness and Prevention training please contact us at farm_safety_foundation@nfumutual.co.uk
