LMC lends support to Mind Your Head campaign  

 The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) has voiced its support for the Mind Your Head campaign, an annual initiative run by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Now in its ninth year, the awareness campaign aims to break down stigma and encourage open dialogue around mental health in the farming industry. This year’s campaign is focused on suicide prevention.

Commenting LMC Chief Executive, Colin Smith said, “Farming is often portrayed as an idyllic way of life, but the reality for many is working long hours, often in isolation. Farming is a profession that makes an immense contribution to our economy and society, and it is essential that we support those who work tirelessly to provide food of the highest quality for us all to enjoy.”

Research carried out by the Farm Safety Foundation highlights the importance of this work at a time when mental wellbeing among UK farmers aged over 40 has hit a four-year low.

Colin continued, “Recent research carried out by the Farm Safety Foundation highlights a stark disparity with overall wellbeing within the farming community continuing to lag behind that of the general population, underscoring an urgent need for targeted support and intervention.”

As an active affiliate member of Northern Ireland’s Farm Safety Partnership (FSP), LMC plays an important role in promoting and helping drive positive change in farm safety and health and wellbeing. Colin added, “In late January I attended the launch of FSP’s latest campaign ‘Farm Wiser to Farm Longer’ which recognises the huge contribution of experienced farmers. For those who wish to continue working actively within the industry, the campaign encourages safety to remain at the forefront of their minds.

“The Commission will continue to work proactively with stakeholders across Northern Ireland and the UK to build on the positive work already underway in this area. With the Mind Your Head campaign ongoing, it is timely for us all to take a moment to check in on others. Call a friend or neighbour and see how they are. Small acts can make a big difference — let’s all come together to make mental health a priority.”

Further information on the Mind Your Head campaign is available at www.yellowwellies.org. A full list of support organisations can also be found there, with Rural Support providing impartial guidance for farmers and farm family members in support of their farm business and personal wellbeing. The Rural Support helpline is available on 0800 138 1678.