NFYFC took part in a farming mental health roundtable with Farming Minister Mark Spencer at Defra’s office in London in March.
The meeting brought together multiple organisations to share the issues impacting the farming and fishery sectors. It was also a chance to discuss barriers and enablers to improving mental health in these industries.
NFYFC was among the groups invited to discuss farming mental health with the Minister to ensure that the many issues of farming and rural life, as well as mental health support, were highlighted.
AGRI Manager Sarah Palmer represented NFYFC at the meeting.
“NFYFC provides wellbeing training and signposting in collaboration with the main farming support groups. We recognise the importance of the topic among our rural community and young farmers’ roles in helping to change the culture of openness, communication and support.
“We encourage all YFCs and our trainers to help deliver our important training and advice co-created with farming support groups.”
NFYFC has workshops available for YFCs to deliver during club meetings. Rural+, which is aimed at raising awareness and improving wellbeing was developed with The Farming Community Network and The DPJ Foundation. Minding Your Head, which is more focused on mental health in farming, was developed with The Farm Safety Foundation.
Both workshops can be delivered by YFC Trainers during club meetings. Find out more about the workshops.