Every month our Development & Wellbeing committee will be turning the spotlight on a different charity working within Rural Scotland to highlight the amazing work they do and the support they can offer our members and community.
This month the committee talked to Clare Dickson, Community Engagement Specialist for FarmStrong Scotland, looking for more insight into the charity’s operations and for some of her top tips on looking after your own wellbeing.
Can you tell us a little about Farmstrong, the work you do, and the support you offer?
“Farmstrong is a rural charity providing tools, tips and resources for farmers, crofters and those in agriculture to better their wellbeing; physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.
We have a wellbeing hub on our website, with blogs, podcasts, articles from not only peers within the sector, but also expert knowledge on subjects that via surveys, the agricultural community have told us they would like some help with.
As well as online, The Farmstrong Team, and Trustees can be found in person at various industry events, from conferences, shows, markets, and collaborating with other bodies in the sector on projects and events.
Further to being out and about across Scotland, part of my role is to deliver chats about Farmstrong, to lots of ag based clubs, groups, societies, organisations, colleges etc across Scotland. This is to raise awareness of wellbeing for our sector so we can look after ourselves, not just our livestock, land and machinery etc During these chats, as well as introducing our resources, I also lead interactive activities, such as going through your “Wellbeing Bank Account” or even our new “Foundations of Mental Strength” resource. Since we started back in 2023, so many people have told us they want to help, and many have. This has been by the likes of sharing their wellbeing stories, hosting events with us, fundraising or donating, taking our leaflets to shows or even just sharing our social posts…
So, earlier this year we formally lunched our call for supporters, for those who wish to volunteer with Farmstrong in the ways, and we had our first supporters in with us helping at The Highland Show!”
What are some of the biggest wellbeing challenges you see facing young people in agriculture today?
“I do see that the younger generations have had wellbeing education at school, this is something most are aware of and do action.
I see a lot of pressure for all ages. Thinking about young people, this could be to farm or equally not to farm (not to mention succession planning, or lack of), as well as pressure to be a certain way, being influenced by ‘everyone’s life is great’ scenarios on the socials whilst knowing that is not the reality. For those still at school/education there is further pressure on keeping up with coursework and the peer-pressure, perhaps whilst also having roles at home.
Our surveys have shown isolation/loneliness is a big factor, even amongst the next generations. Whilst contact is available 24/7 via devices, nothing beats in person socialising, have a look at what’s on in your area and go to something – ag related or otherwise! Even just getting together with a friend or family member for a coffee, can help if not a big group as this can be daunting for some.
When going over the Wellbeing Bank Account resource, we look at not only the investments made (socialising, clubs, reading, sport etc) but the withdrawals too. Many share that besides sport or other hobbies, being part of the likes of young breed clubs or other ag based groups as well as of course, SAYFC, is great for them – several activities a month, seeing friends, learning, socialising. What we do then hear is from those in their late 20’s or 30+ asking, what is beyond Young Farmers? Some will go onto be involved with further Ag based organisations, NFU/Discussion Groups/Show Societies but often if I ask if they go, I hear “I can’t go, that’s dad’s thing”, which of course I do challenge!”
How can we encourage more conversations about wellbeing on farms and help people better manage their wellbeing?
“Research has proven that with a clearer head, better decisions can be made – be that for the business, day to day tasks, in home/family life too. Plus better wellbeing makes for better health & safety choices – leading to less accidents, which given the H&S stats from the industry we are in is vital. This line of conversation, along with our Farmstrong presentations, has very much led to a better understanding of wellbeing and the need to practise good wellbeing, for example involving the ‘5-ways to wellbeing’ daily/weekly where you can.
Many of my chats are to the likes of machinery dealers, or grain merchants, farm secretaries etc who all admit to being a sounding board from time to when on farm. If they know more about Farmstrong and the resources we have available, they can share these if the conversation steers that way. For example, when sitting at the kitchen table asking how things are, it could be someone says, I’m fine, but actually I’m not sleeping well at the moment. The person in can then say, Oh you know our team had a talk from Farmstrong recently, and did you know they have a leaflet on sleep, and an accompanying podcast (an maybe even produce the leaflet for them if they have a bundle to hand)!
Time off farm, or away from your place of work is crucial. Whether it’s a bus-man’s holiday with a day out to a Farm Walk or even making the time to go to either a local show, or make a trip of it and go to one further afield!
I’m writing this in the midst of summer where some are able to take a break with family as schools are off, or getting one booked as something to look forward to once silage/harvest is done etc. And then not apologising for taking time off!
Given that our programme leans on Peer:Peer it means that farmers, crofters and people in Ag are hearing from others within the sector, via our podcasts, blogs and socials etc so are more likely to relate or share similar likes or hobbies. Knowing that others in agriculture take the time to enjoy playing rugby weekly, or coaching it, or a spot of golf or wild swimming, perhaps volunteering with your local RHET, Guides/Scouts or even on your local show committee cab encourage others to do the same.”
What does “Are Ewe Okay?” mean to you?
“Within Farmstrong, I find we are often Agri-fying things, such as the 5-ways, which can be found on the NHS website, but if we give more industry related examples, our community comprehends it better and therefore aligns with us more. For me, Are Ewe Okay?, is the SAYFC way of Agri-fying the question. Knowing it is personal to our sector and then also knowing its ok to ask the question, and even more so ok to answer it honestly. Even it means admitting at that point you are indeed not okay. We very much acknowledge that everyone has up and down days, its realising when you aren’t at a good point, and then knowing what can boost you back up is key to Farmstrong’s messages.”
If one person reading this interview is struggling today, what would you like to say directly to them?
“Firstly, its ok to admit it, the fact you have acknowledged it is amazing self-awareness.
If this is just an occasional dip in wellbeing, have a look at the Farmstrong resources, such as our online interactive How’s It going resource or try our wellbeing bank account resource. Try doing something that you know makes you feel better, meet up with family or friends, organise that cinema trip or meal out. Maybe it’s a cuddle with your collie, or getting on your bike for a ride! I always bake when I feel the need to decompress!
Should this feeling be occurring more frequently, chat to your doctor or give the likes of RSABI, or Breathing Space a call. Whilst Farmstrong isn’t a 1:1 helpline, there are so many organisations out there that are and that one call could help. We signpost to many of these on our resources and during our chats.“
