Take Time 

NFYFC wants to encourage YFC members to take care of themselves and understand that mental health matters as much as physical health. We want to help you recognise that the changes and disruption that the coronavirus pandemic brings will be influencing your wellbeing.

The last time we saw our friends in a club meeting will feel like a long time ago. We are used to a regular pattern of meetings, competing, learning new skills and having a laugh face to face. That all changed abruptly, and it took a while for the shock of it to sink in. The longer social distancing remains, the more we need to support each other through this period in our lives.

Staying away from each other is really challenging so we wanted to do something positive to help members keep their mental health…healthy! 

This guide has been made possible thanks to the support of Tama.  

The seven simple steps that are shared in this section of the website will make a difference if we all get involved. It’s our opportunity to show the power of the YFC community. We need to look after ourselves and be there for our friends and family, Not everyone will be doing ok, which is why we need to keep talking about this and show that together, we are joining in and creating opportunities to keep our mental health healthy!  

There are seven steps in this section that you can follow to keep your mental wellbeing in check!

1. Take time to keep connected

2. Take time to observe 

3. Take time to keep active 

4. Take time to do something for you 

5. Take time to do something for others

6. Take time to take a break

7. Take time to try something new 

During Mental Health Awareness Week on 18-24 May 2020, NFYFC will be promoting these seven steps with support of the Youth Forum. 

If you need urgent help

If you feel that you are having a mental health crisis, emergency or breakdown, you need to seek immediate expert advice and assessment. You can call your GP, ring the Samaritans on 116 123 or the Farming Help number on 03000 111 999. You can also follow the links under the ‘Urgent Mental Health Help Support’ section here.  

If you are struggling with your mental health right now, it is essential that you seek help. Talking to someone and explaining how you are feeling could be the first step to feeling better.

If you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed there are great online resources available to help you manage and improve your mental health.

Don’t suffer in silence with your mental health. There are people ready and willing to help you, to talk to you and to help you to understand what is going on for you right now.