For many farming is an incredibly rewarding profession but it can also be incredibly challenging at times. Anyone can reach a point when pressures become too much and if that happens it is important to reach out for help.
Industry pressures
Stress and depression are common illnesses in the UK. People working in farming dealing with financial pressures, irregular weather patterns, and market and price volatility are as susceptible to stress as anyone else.
Common symptoms include low mood, anxiety and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Often the first step in dealing with issues is to talk with somebody.
Find help in your area.
(Call costs may vary.)
Wales
Mental wellbeing support
The DPJ Foundation
Supporting those in agriculture and rural communities with their mental health.
- 0800 5874 262 (call) 24/7 support line
- 07860048799 (text)
- [email protected]
Available 24/7
Wellbeing support
Tir Dewi
A farm support charity, helping farmers across Wales.
- 0800 121 4722
- [email protected]
- 7am – 10pm, 365 days of the year
Wales and the UK
General support and advice
Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI)
A national charity providing professional support to the farming community across England and Wales.
- 0800 188 4444 - 24/7 support line
- [email protected]
- Support for young people: kooth.com/rabi
- Support for adults: qwell.io/rabi
Wellbeing support
FCN (Farming Community Network)
Helping farmers, farming families and people in rural communities through difficult times and periods of change.
7am-11pm 365 days a year
The Man Down Project
Re-defining what it means to be a man in the 21st Century.
Disaster Relief – Housing
Addington Fund
Providing housing, and disaster relief in the form of animal feed or services to farmers in need across England and Wales.
Disaster Relief – livestock support
Forage Aid
Coordinating the goodwill of the agricultural community to help UK farms hit by extreme weather events or acts of God.
Mental health and farm safety training 16-40 years
Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies)
Supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of the UK’s farmers.
General support and advise for gamekeepers
Gamekeepers Welfare Trust
Helping gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies and their dependants with support, financial grants, housing and employment.
Horticulture wellbeing support
Perennial
The UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture and their families.
9am-4.30pm Monday, Tuesday Thursday & Friday (excluding bank holidays)
10am-4.30pm Wednesday
Wellbeing in agriculture
Just Talk Agri
Spreading the message that it's ok to talk.
Under 35s mental wellbeing support
Papyrus HOPELINE
Dedicated to the prevention of suicide, shattering the stigma and promoting positive mental health.
24/7 support
Mental Wellbeing Support
Samaritans
No judgement. No pressure. Here for anyone who needs someone.
24/7 support
- Freephone 116123
- [email protected]
- Online or face-to-face chat: samaritans.org/contact-samaritan
Mind
Changing minds, supporting minds and connecting minds.
- 9am-6pm Monday – Friday (except bank holidays)
- 0300 102 1234
- [email protected]
Shout
The UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
- 24/7 Text service
- Text “Hawkstone” to 85258 - specifically for farmers
Debt advice
If your mental health has been affected by financial issues, please access PayPlan - our free debt advice service.