Communication- The human element of farming : May Courses available with EEAS

We are pleased to be hosting a number of agriculturally linked training opportunities at EEAS HQ in May that focus on one of the core human elements of farming, communication.  We have the EmpowerAG GRIP course, that will cover the skill behind having productive conversations and how to confidently tackle difficult topics, and the RCMH Foundation will be delivering mental health first aid training, that will equip you with the tools to help support friends, family and colleagues in their times of need, and become a qualified mental health first aider.

Both courses have been tailored to agricultural audiences, to make sure that you are getting the most relevant information that will be applicable to you and your business.

GRIP course

7th May at the East of England Agricultural Society (PE2 6XE) 

GRIP is a one-day, face-to-face workshop built for farmers who want to take control. It’s practical, straight-talking, and focused on the “people stuff” that too often gets ignored until it becomes a full-blown problem.

In GRIP, you’ll learn how to:

• Handle difficult conversations (succession, change, day-to-day decisions) and turn conflict into progress
• Get everyone on the same page so there’s a clear direction your family and team can understand, support, and follow
• Understand and shift your own mindset why you behave the way you do and the patterns and habits that keep you stuck.
• Understand others by spotting what’s really driving resistance and difficult behaviour
• Leave with a plan clear, actionable steps to move the business and relationships forward

GRIP is for you if:

• You feel like the farm is running you, not the other way round
• Family conversations keep going in circles – or aren’t happening at all
• Succession is looming and nobody wants to start the conversation
• You want to get better at negotiating with suppliers, buyers, or the bank
• You know the farm’s future depends on the people, not just the production

GRIP is available at an accessible price thanks to the generous support of the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust.

Delivered by Amy Hughes, Yorkshire Farmers daughter. Amy has 20 years experience in the industry and developed the GRIP course based on her own experience of change and the importance of good communication. It’s delivered in a practical, often humorous, way that makes it easier to talk about the ‘tough stuff’ and find a way to sort it out.

Places are £75 and can be booked via the link below.

For full details visit https://empowerag.co.uk/grip-course

Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation- Mental Health First Aid Training

26th & 27th May at the East of England Agricultural Society (PE2 6XE) 

If you have a minor accident at work, you’ll seek out a first aider who will help treat it, might give you some advice or recommend where to get the information you need. If it’s more serious and something that they can’t help you with, they’ll support and refer you to a qualified medical professional.

And the same goes for mental health first aiders. They’re not a qualified mental health professional, but they are someone approachable, knowledgeable and discreet for people to turn to in confidence when struggling with their mental health.

The Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation are offering individuals the opportunity to become trained Mental Health First Aiders through their fully funded training programme in partnership with WiseMind

By training as a Mental Health First Aider with us you will gain:

• A deeper understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect people’s wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• The confidence to step in and support someone to recover their health by guiding them to appropriate support
• Three years of access to the MHFAider Support App® with 24/7 digital support
• Access to exclusive resources, ongoing learning opportunities, and the benefit of joining England’s largest community of trained MHFAiders

For full details and to apply for your (Free!) place, visit https://www.rcmhfoundation.org/training-dates 

If there are any topics that you would be keen for us to organise training opportunities for, please feel free to get in touch with our Community Engagement Manager, Ruth- rtrolove@eastofengland.org.uk