The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is asking the farming community to try to find time to take five minutes to reach out to five friends and check how they are getting this Mental Health Awareness Week.
This latest #5for5 drive to support farmer wellbeing comes with the full support of RABI whose vision is that ‘no farmer should ever face adversity alone’.
“Loneliness can be a significant issue for the farming community, and as a result of multiple lockdowns, we know many farmers across the country are under increasing pressure,” said Alicia Chivers, chief executive of RABI.
“We can all make a real difference by simply sending a message or picking up the phone for a quick chat. Our friendships are among the most valuable relationships we have and are a crucial tool to help protect our mental health.
“This is why we are encouraging everyone working in agriculture to reach out to five members of the farming community this week by sending a message or giving them a call.”
RABI launched a completely anonymous online wellbeing platform where everyone is able to access farmer-specific contents and a huge range of advice and articles, as well as discussion boards, case studies and messaging functions, as well as having one-to-one anonymous counselling support from BACP accredited professionals through a chat function.
Ms Chivers added that the #5for5 drive to support farmer wellbeing comes with the full support of RABI whose vision is that ‘no farmer should ever face adversity alone’.
She said: “Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder to all to consider how important mental wellbeing is. So we really hope you’ll be able to join us in spending five minutes to reach out to five loved ones.”
