We can all play a part in helping people whose mental health is at risk. The smallest act can go a long way. Here at the RPA we are taking this seriously and looking at what we can do to support farmers. We know stress is a real concern in the industry and that there are many factors which contribute to this, some of which are linked to agricultural transition and uncertainty over the future of farming. Some of this is practical about how we engage, and some is about how we communicate.
How we plan to help reduce stress and improve the mental health of our customers
In practical terms the changes to how we approach inspections for domestic agreements will make our interactions more open. The chance for farmers to respond to findings earlier and getting rid of penalties should reduce some of the anxieties around regulation and compliance. We know the Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on farmers and the knock-on effects continue to be a cause of stress. We’re continuing to review our processes ahead of the opening of the BPS application and Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship claim window, to make sure we have support in place so that no one is disadvantaged.
We’re listening to feedback from groups we work with and are working closely with colleagues in Defra to provide information and clarity around future farming and opportunities.
We are looking at our communication, so expect to see more videos, podcasts and direct customer contact, all with a view to setting out options as clearly as we can and encouraging farmers to plan for the future.
Support from farming help organisations
We work with some great organisations who support farmers. Through the Royal Agricultural Benevolence Institution – or RABI – members of farming communities across England and Wales can access a new, completely free counselling service. Accessed by a free 24/7 confidential helpline, they will put you in touch with a counsellor within 24 hours, without the need for a clinical referral. They know that talking to someone who understands the challenges and pressures of farming can really help, and this support is available over the phone, via video or in person.
You can contact them on 0800 188 4444 or email them at help@rabi.org.uk - Contact us – RABI
The Farming Community Network also have an established helpline. They run a confidential, national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm. Volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, including those experiencing stress, depression or isolation. Again, speaking to someone who understands can make a real difference and we encourage anyone who needs to, to reach out to us or one of these organisations.
You can contact them on 03000 111 999 or email them at help@fcn.org.uk - Contact FCN - Farming Community Network
The national Farming Help Charities have recently launched new awareness raising sessions with a focus on stress management, succession and planning for the future of the farm business. You can read more on their blog here.
It’s OK to ask for more support to get you through a difficult time. There is help available and RPA are keen to do everything we can to enable you to access information, and make decisions on what’s right for you and your business as you navigate the transition.
1 comment
Comment by William Foster posted on
This is good news and thank you for prompt payment again this year but there is much more that you can do. A couple of examples;
Getting proper advice for my CS application was a nightmare making the whole process quite stressful. Advisors just referring me to or reading from gov.uk was unhelpful as I had already read this myself and just wanted some advice so I could try to get things right. That said your advisors were all nice people, did online sessions and took the time to visit my farm but sadly did not understand the RPA processes nor were able to clarify ambiguities. Only when chatting, ok moaning, to one of your inspectors did I get the advice I required. As new schemes become more in number and complexity this is more and more important so please give this role to the real experts who can actually help.
The new approach to cross compliance is much better but stating that we do meet the standard of a competent farmer for forgetting to send back a passport for a dead animal or forgetting to record a sheep annual inventory when my numbers don’t vary year on year is insulting, unnecessary and just unkind. We all make mistakes so please show a little respect to an old farmer. Thank you