The NPA is urging producers to ensure they speak to someone if they are struggling with the pressures the pig sector industry currently finds itself under.
NPA policy services officer Lizzie Wilson said: “It’s pretty tough out there for everyone, off the back of an unprecedented period for pig producers and we’re acutely aware that many people will be struggling.
“As the pig sector representative organisation we’re doing as much as we possibly can with regard to practical solutions to help members through this, but there’s only so much we can do. We really urge producers to take care of their own and their team’s mental health, as this is just as important.
“If members and/or their staff are feeling overwhelmed, they need to speak to someone, be that someone they know, or if they’d feel more comfortable, someone they don’t know, such as a mental health professional.”
Support organisations out there, some dedicated to farming and rural communities, include:
The Farming Community Network (FCN)
Website: www.fcn.org.uk
Phone: 03000 111 999
You Are Not Alone (YANA)
Website: www.yanahelp.org
Phone: 0300 323 0400
Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN)
Website: www.lrsn.co.uk
Phone: 0800 138 1710
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)
Website: www.rabi.org.uk
Phone: 0808 281 9490
Samaritans
Website: www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
Mind
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Phone: 0300 123 3393