This week is Yellow Wellies’- #MindYourHead week, an annual campaign that looks to promote positive mental health to those working in the agricultural industry.
As an agricultural society we are proud to support positive mental health within the industry. This month we have both YANA (You are Not Alone) and the RCMHF (Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation) delivering Mental Health First Aid courses at Fitzroy House (EEAS HQ) that are tailored towards those living and working in rural areas.
Whether through personal experience or through agricultural media outlets, we are often made aware of prevalence of isolation and loneliness within the industry. Finding time to get off the farm to break the days up, or making sure you have a way to switch off at the end of the work day is so important for positive mental health.
Within the EEAS team we have our Marshal Papworth and Kids Country manager, Sandra who is a member of a local WI, our Society Chairman, Stuart who is currently training for a marathon and our Finance Director, Quentin who plays in a band on his off time, a diverse mix of hobbies! Personally, I enjoy playing hockey (Oundle HC are always welcoming new members!) and although none of us set out in these pursuits for the mental health benefits, there is no denying that the social or physical elements of these hobbies has a positive effect.
While I am not suggesting our entire membership starts marathon training, it is important to recognise that switching off or surrounding yourself with like minded people can be beneficial. We hope events such as the Bedfordshire Dinner (13th Feb) and Shuttleworth Lecture (19th March) can provide opportunities to break from the normal routines and communicate with your peers, perhaps giving a subtle boost to your mental health.
If you are ‘a doer’ and think channelling your energy into a committee could be beneficial to you, give me a call on 07717 228495 and we can discuss EEAS committee vacancies and if they would align with your interests.
While the upcoming Mental Health First Aid Courses are fully booked, both YANA and the RCMHF will be running events locally in the future. These courses enable you to recognise signs of poor mental health in those around you and help give you the tools and confidence to be part of the initial support system for those who might be struggling, be it friends, family or your colleagues.
While I have focused on the isolation and loneliness elements in this blog post, mental health is a wide spread topic with so many intricacies and contributing factors. If you are struggling, please don’t try and push through it alone, consider using the following resources-
FCN– supports people in rural communities through difficult times and periods of change in both business and personal matters.
- Phone helpline 03000 111 999
- email helpline- help@fcn.org.uk
RABI– providing counselling support and financial aid to those in rural communities
- Phone helpline 0800 188 4444
- Email helpline help@rabi.org.uk
- Not yet ready to speak to someone in person, RABI’s online and text-based counselling service, Click Here
- Kooth, for young people aged 11 to 17
- Qwell, for those 18+
YANA– supporting those in agriculture and rural businesses who are feeling low, or if you are worried about a family member, colleague or friend.
- Phone helpline- 0300 323 0400 Monday to Friday between 10am and 1pm. Outside of these hours leave a message and receive a callback
- Email helpline- helpline@yanahelp.org
Samaritans– Need someone to talk to? Samaritans are a national mental health charity
- Phone helpline- 116 123
- Email helpline- jo@samaritains.org (response time may be several days)
- In person- https://www.samaritans.org/branches/
Fingers crossed the weather brightens soon, as I know getting sight of some sunshine can be an immediate mood booster!
Ruth
Community Engagement Manager
07717 228495
