Brendan Clarke-Smith has lent his support to the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign, which runs from 12th to 16th February. The campaign aims to highlight the significant mental health risks associated with working in agriculture.
Farmers work long hours, often in isolation. They can be under significant financial pressure, often needing to take on considerable debt to purchase the land and equipment they require. In most cases, a farmer’s place of business is also his or her home, meaning there is no easy way to get away from the workload. In addition, farmers are constantly vulnerable to events and circumstances that can impact their bottom line, from weather and natural disasters to international trade disputes.
A recent study by leading rural charity the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) has revealed that poor mental health among farmers and agricultural workers is of growing concern. In a sample of 450 farmers under the age of 40, respondents almost universally (95%) agreed that poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing the industry today.
Farming has the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK and stress is often a key factor in many of the incidents, injuries and illnesses which take place on British farms. The Farm Safety Foundation wants to create a culture in farming that promotes positive mental health, prevents people from experiencing mental ill health and helps them better manage mental health problems.
Speaking about the Mind Your Head campaign, Brendan Clarke-Smith said:
"Bassetlaw is home to many agricultural workers, which is why I am proud to support the Mind Your Head Campaign. We owe so much to farmers, and it is devastating to see the levels of poor mental health within the profession. i hope that this campaign sheds some light and awareness on the hardships farmers face, but also the support that is available for them."
Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, commented:
“We were delighted to have been invited by Sarah Dyke in advance of our seventh annual Mind Your Head campaign to meet with MPs and caseworkers and share a valuable insight into why 95% of young farmers in the UK agree that poor mental health is the biggest hidden danger facing the industry. We are happy to support those in power understand the needs of their constituents and help shape a plan with a focus on tackling the reasons why so many in farming communities are struggling with their mental health, as well as highlighting the importance of government investment in and improvement of education and services.”
Sarah Dyke, MP for Somerton and Frome and organiser of a parliamentary event to raise awareness of the Mind Your Head campaign, commented:
“As the daughter and sister of farmers, this is an issue that’s dear to my heart. My dad was a brilliant musician and when life on the farm got too much for him, he’d retreat to the piano. Music was his way of dealing with stress. My brother went through a very difficult time when he was having to handle challenges caused by the Tories’ Brexit deal. His dairyman had left and he was trying to do everything himself. Looking back, I can see what a huge mental and physical toll this was taking on him.
“So I understand how important it is for farmers and farm workers to look after their mental health and to be open to having conversations about how they’re feeling. Today’s event is a chance for me to highlight the vital work that the Farm Safety Foundation does and to raise awareness among MPs, peers and the wider community.”
