Ensuring good mental health

Mental health is rarely an easy or comfortable conversation topic, but it is important to acknowledge that periods of uncertainty and/or change, particularly when they have a financial impact, can trigger huge levels of anxiety.

Ensuring good mental health needs to be a focus for everyone.

If you are struggling, speak to someone and share the burden; it can be a friend, family member or one of the many readily and freely available heath professionals.

Look out for others too. The offer of a cuppa and a friendly ear can go a long way.

FCN (Farming Community Network): 03000 111 999 (7am – 11pm) - Confidential pastoral and practical support.

RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution): 0800 188 4444 (24/7) - Free, confidential counselling, including online/text-based options.

RSABI (Scotland): 0808 1234 555 (24/7).

YANA (You Are Not Alone): 0300 323 0400 (10am - 1pm, Mon-Fri) - Mental health support for farming and rural businesses.

Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) - Free and confidential emotional support.

The Agricultural Chaplains Association: 01935 488564 or 07966 754110 - Pastoral support.

We are Farming Minds: Call or text the 24/7 Support Line on 0808 802 0070 or text on 07786 203 130.

ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England): 01285 653477 .

Andy's Man Club: Find a group here.

The Farming Helpline: 03000 111 999 (7am - 11pm) - The Farming Help partnership is a collaboration between Addington Fund, The Farming Community Network and Forage Aid.

The Farming Helpline (Northern Ireland): 08001 381678

Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation: Find out more here.

Papyrus HOPELINE247: 0800 068 4141 or text 88247 (24/7).

Shout: Text 85258 (24/7).

Lifeline (Northern Ireland): 0808 808 8000 (24/7).

Rural Support (Northern Ireland): 0800 138 1678 (9am – 9pm Monday to Friday).

DPJ Foundation (Wales): 0800 587 4262 (24/7).

Mind: 0300 102 1234 (support line) or 0300 123 3393 (infoline) (9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday - except bank holidays).