The impact of bullying and the pressure of GCSEs took its toll on Liam from Bromsgrove YFC. Support from his friends rescued him from feeling low and have helped him feel more positive about his future.
A: My dad used to farm when he was a kid, and I’ve grown up around farms. I work on my uncle’s beef and sheep farm.I’ve always been involved in farming, and now I’ve got a job there. The plan is to continue working on the farm, but farming alone isn’t enough to make a living these days. That’s why I’m doing tree surgery alongside it — I can still farm and earn money doing both.
A: Finding a social life around farming can be really hard. There’s a rugby club nearby, but they meet up three times a week, and I just can’t commit to that with farming. In the middle of summer, I’m often out until God knows what time. YFC really understands those challenges, and it fits better around my lifestyle.
A: I joined Bromsgrove YFC when I was 15 but didn’t really get involved at first. My friends kept encouraging me to join in and give it a go. It was in the last 12 months when I really saw the potential. I finished school and had more freedom to do stockjudging, competitions, and rallies. It wasn’t just about learning new skills; it was about getting away from the farm and having fun with mates.
A: I knew I was down, but I didn’t realise how low I actually was. My mental health was poor, and I was just stuck in a rut. When I started having fun with YFC, my self-esteem and confidence came back. One of my mates asked me how low I’d been, and I admitted it was pretty bad. I hadn’t even realised until things started improving.
A: There were lots of layers. I didn’t get the grades I wanted at GCSE, which was a big blow. I’d put so much effort in and felt like I’d failed. When you’re around mates who did well, it’s tough. But looking back, I realised you can re-sit exams — it’s not the end of the world. I got more support during the re-sits, with smaller classes and teachers who really wanted to help.
A: They were amazing. One of my mates gave me a bit of a home truth and said, “Your life’s quite boring, mate. Do something about it.” I wasn’t even going to renew my membership, but he convinced me. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
A: It pulled me out of my comfort zone. I’ve always struggled with confidence and self-esteem because I’ve been bullied most of my life — at first school, middle school, and high school. It knocked my confidence, especially during GCSEs. But YFC built me back up. Even my parents and college staff noticed how much my confidence has improved.
A: It’s about resilience. I’ve learned not to listen to the negative voices and to build a thicker skin. Talking with mates who understand farming pressures, like inheritance tax (IHT) worries, made a big difference. Knowing you’re not alone and that other people are going through the same thing really helps.
A: Talk about it. It’s like Kaleb [Cooper] says – just pick up the phone and call someone. It makes a huge difference to get it off your chest instead of bottling it up. YFC meetings, whether it’s laser tag or just chatting over a meal at the pub, help take your mind off things and remind you that people care.
A: Competitions and teamwork really helped. I’m doing stockjudging and even got involved in the panto, though I’m more comfortable in the background than in the spotlight. Being part of a team and learning new things brought my confidence back. It’s all about knowing you’re in it together.
A: Absolutely. I’ve spoken to friends who don’t do much outside of work and promoted YFC to them. People think you have to be a farmer to join, but you don’t — it’s just a great way to have fun and meet people who “get it.” YFC is more than just a club; it’s a support network and a place where you can grow and feel part of something.
If you are struggling and need support and don’t want to speak with friends and family, visit our Signposting for Support pages for contact information of organisations who can help.