Creating a welcoming and supportive environment has been a focus for Louth YFC Chair Tom Watson, 25, who has been a member for the last 10 years. After a tragedy impacted Louth YFC in 2024, the club has focused on creating a supportive space for its 60 members. Help from the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) has also meant members at all clubs in Lincolnshire have access to help when they need it.
Young Farmers has played a massive part in my life since I joined at 14. It has helped build my confidence, friendships and leadership skills, so I wanted to give something back and help create the same opportunities and experiences for other members coming through the club. Being Chair has also allowed me to help shape the direction of the club and encourage new members to get involved.
Our club is structured to make sure everyone feels included regardless of age or experience. We run regular club nights, competitions, fundraising events and socials throughout the year. While most meetings involve all members together, we also make sure younger members are supported and encouraged to get involved at their own pace. Committee members and older members help mentor newer or younger members, so everyone feels welcome and confident.
We try to create an environment where members feel comfortable talking openly and supporting one another. A big part of Young Farmers is the social side and the friendships people build, which can really help with isolation and stress, especially in rural communities. We regularly check in with members, encourage conversations and make sure people know they are not alone. As officers, we also try to be approachable so members feel they can come to us if they are struggling.
We are also fortunate in Lincolnshire to have LRSN, who provide a representative for every YFC. This is a valuable resource, as there is always someone available to help if people need someone to talk to.
Club officers are often the people members see and speak to most regularly, so it’s important we can recognise when someone might not be themselves.
Sometimes small changes in behaviour, confidence or attendance can be signs that someone is struggling. Having awareness means we can step in early, offer support and point people in the right direction if needed. In rural communities especially, mental health can sometimes still be difficult to talk about, so it’s important that clubs help break that stigma.
Balancing everything can sometimes be challenging, so I try to make sure I maintain a good balance between club responsibilities, work and personal time. I make time to switch off when needed and rely on support from the rest of the committee rather than trying to do everything myself. Talking openly with friends, family and other club members also helps a lot, as well as remembering to enjoy the social side of YFC rather than seeing it only as responsibility.
One of the biggest skills I’ve developed is leadership and communication. As Chair, you need to organise people, manage different personalities and make sure everyone feels included and listened to. It has really improved my confidence in speaking to groups, making decisions and working as part of a team.
One challenge has been keeping members engaged and encouraging participation from everyone, especially younger or newer members who may lack confidence at first. I overcame this by making sure activities were welcoming and inclusive, encouraging people personally to get involved and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels valued. Listening to members’ ideas and feedback has also helped make the club stronger.
I would recommend being approachable and creating an environment where members feel comfortable speaking openly without judgement. Regularly checking in with members, especially those who may have gone quiet or stopped attending, can make a big difference. It’s also important to encourage teamwork, social interaction and inclusivity, because sometimes simply feeling part of a supportive community can really help someone who is struggling.
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If you would like to be featured in our club officer check in, email media@nfyfc.org.uk. Find more information and guidance for club officers in the YFC Handbook.
