Hartpury University and Hartpury College are proud to announce their support of the seventh annual Mind Your Head campaign, organised by the Yellow Wellies Farm Safety Foundation.
This week (12-18 February 2024), the campaign will continue to raise awareness of the many challenges facing farmers today, tackling the stigma attached to poor mental health in the farming sector and recognising the steps being taken to address it.
Farming in the UK has been hit by flooding, drought, and heatwaves in recent years with each event having consequences for farmers. However, the emerging mental health challenges facing the industry may emerge as the most devastating without intervention.
Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation said: “Mind Your Head launched in 2018 when concerns about Brexit, policies, administration, and legislation were causing increased anxiety in the industry. Fast forward seven years and the campaign has grown and is now recognised by 67% of farmers in the UK. Mental health is always a sensitive subject but it’s something that is thankfully growing in importance and profile. The answer to the question “who cares?” is everyone – and everyone should.
“Agriculture is a proud and hardworking industry and vital to the UK economy. Far from being downtrodden, the UK’s farmers are resilient and resourceful and committed to finding ways to tackle any challenge they face. Over the years we’ve been encouraged by the growing numbers of farm businesses and organisations wanting to learn more about how to help their workers and suppliers as well the incredible individuals taking steps to improve their mental wellbeing and, in this year’s campaign, we will be highlighting them and hopefully inspiring many more to do the same.”
Hartpury University and Hartpury College are strong advocates of mental health in farming, supporting awareness days and campaigns around mental health and committing to ensuring agriculture staff and students are well supported.
In October 2023, BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson launched his podcast “Keeping on Track”. The podcast aimed to raise awareness of mental health difficulties amongst farmers and rural communities and featured Phil Watson, Associate Head of Agriculture at Hartpury University in one of the episodes. Hartpury was proud to be one of the podcast sponsors.
Research carried out by the university also covers many aspects of mental health. Last year, research carried out by Hartpury student Joe Goodenough earned an NFU Centenary Award as it explored the support available for dairy farmers, noting the impact of business performance on their wellbeing.
Claire Whitworth, Deputy Principal of Hartpury College said: “Hartpury is delighted to be an active advocate for improving mental health within the agricultural community, and we’re pleased to support the Mind Your Head campaign once again. Exciting times lie ahead for the industry as advances in technology look to revolutionise the way we manage land and livestock, but it’s imperative to ensure that the mental wellbeing of every member of the farming community is a priority.
“We have an increasing number of students choosing to study agriculture at Hartpury and it’s vital for us to be able to share the campaign’s key messages with them, as well as highlighting where they can find advice and support throughout their careers.”
When students choose Hartpury, they become part of a community. Personalised support is based on individual requirements and aspirations with student support measures covering areas including wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers and more.
Access the Keeping on Track podcast
Learn more about the podcast and find out more about the charity partners behind it here: //teamdoctor.org/farmers
