Views on mental health in farming sought

What stops the Dales farming community from getting the help they need? Your views sought in a bid to break the stigma and offer help to those seeking support

95% of Young Farmers Struggle with Mental Health

Healthwatch North Yorkshire, an independent organisation that champions better care, wants to hear from more of the farming community to understand the challenges to seeking health and well-being support. It is part of work to help the NHS and local community services understand the issues so that they can be there when needed the most.

The Big Farming Survey by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution highlighted significant physical health and mental well-being challenges within the farming community. From the 15,000 responses, they found:

• A concerning mental health and wellbeing picture amongst women in agriculture – 58% experience mild, moderate, or severe anxiety.
• High levels of physical health issues impacting the farming community – 52% experience pain and discomfort.
• One in four people in the farming community have mobility problems.
• 21% have problems undertaking usual tasks due to health issues.

Mind Your Head, an annual campaign run by the Farm Safety Foundation, works to raise mental health awareness amongst farmers. 95% of farmers under 40 said mental health concerns were a problem nationally, up from 84% in previously. It’s been described as one of “the biggest hidden problems.” In an industry with rising costs, long hours working alone, adverse weather, and other pressures, it’s easy to see why.

The farming community has felt “on their knees,” overwhelmed, and “bottling up” their feelings. The rate of suicide is reported to be alarmingly higher in farming compared to the national average (Source: Farmers Guide).

Healthwatch North Yorkshire are listening to experiences and what stops some people seeking help at the earliest opportunities. They will share these, anonymously, with the NHS and key farming support organisations in North Yorkshire. These include the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Farming Community Network, National Farmers Union, and the Farmer Network. What they hear from people will guide these groups in developing better, more tailored services that meet the specific needs of farming families.

To take part, visit the Healthwatch North Yorkshire website or request a postal copy by calling 01423 788 128, or emailing Hello@hwny.co.uk.

The survey is open until 5pm on Thursday, 31 October 2024.

If you access health or social care services outside of North Yorkshire, you can still share your story by visiting https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say