2 minute read
Mental health mission
Mental health matters New services on offer from RABI aim to better meet the changing needs of farming people. Charles Abel reports
RABI has launched a new package of services to help young and old in the industry cope with intensifying pressures, with Defra identifying 100 distinct challenges now affecting well-being.
The initiative marks a significant move by RABI to evolve beyond financial support and into the provision of services, to better meet the evolving requirements of those involved in agriculture. Confidential, easily accessible, free online support can make a real difference to a wide audience, it believes.
“Managing mental wellbeing and maintaining good mental health has emerged as one of the most significant issues facing our sector, which is already known for its higher RABI CEO Alicia Chivers than average levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide,” says Alicia Chivers, RABI’s Chief Executive.
The online wellbeing community and counselling service features two distinct sites – Qwell.io/rabi for adults and Kooth.com/ rabi tailored to 11-17 year-olds - delivered in partnership with a specialist online mental health provider. Dedicated farmer-friendly content addresses key topics, including loneliness, Brexit anxiety, animal health, crop disease, and farm debt.
Users can anonymously access discussion boards, case studies and messaging functions, plus tools to record and track progress. A chat function allows one-to-one counselling with qualified professionals recognised by The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
“We need to initiate frank and honest discussions throughout agriculture to tackle this complex subject,” Alicia notes. “Our aim is to make a real difference to the farming community that RABI has been dedicated to for the past 160 years. We believe early intervention and one-to-one support are essential to ensuring good mental health and tackling the root causes of poor wellbeing.”
Farming brief
Woolly thinking?
SUPPORTING the Campaign for Wool’s Wool Week from 5-18 October rural innovator Chimney Sheep championed its wide range of products made from locally-collected Herdwick wool, including 100% sheep’s wool. These include insulation, Snug Feet insoles and novel chimney draught excluders, which research at The University of Liverpool, BSRIA and BBA shows can cut energy bills by about £50 and save 250kg of CO2 per year –
www.chimneysheep. co.uk
Alicia Chivers, Chief Executive, RABI. MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
• Farming faces complex challenges • Over 100 pressures affecting farmers’ wellbeing – Defra • Numerous barriers to overcome • RABI goal to
‘reach the many, not the few’ • Services and support beyond financial grants
