Development & Wellbeing Case Study – Are Ewe Ok?
Name: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Emma Gray
Club: ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Peeblesshire
Role:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Development & Wellbeing Vice Chair
What is the role in the development and wellbeing committee?
The Development & Wellbeing Committee is responsible for safeguarding members and supporting their wellbeing by creating, reviewing, and implementing policies, training, and development opportunities across the Association. Its work includes leading personal development and office-bearer training, rolling out policy documents to Clubs, and promoting mental health through initiatives such as the “Are Ewe Ok?” campaign. The committee conducts an annual review of SAYFC policies, develops new policies when needed, updates existing ones, and ensures they are effectively put into practice to maintain a safe and inclusive environment. It also delivers training for members at all levels and oversees equality and diversity through the Equal Opportunities policy and action plan.
Why did you sign up to get involved?
I signed up to be Vice Chair of the Development & Wellbeing Committee for SAYFC because speaking openly about mental health and breaking the stigma around it is very important to me. After losing my dad to suicide while I was a junior member of Young Farmers, the support I received from my club and friends across the organisation helped me through an incredibly tough time. Being part of this committee allows me to give back and support others who may be struggling. I am passionate about raising awareness of mental health and suicide, particularly through the โAre Ewe Okay?โ campaign, and I help run the Instagram page, sharing Wellbeing Wednesday posts twice a month to encourage members to care for their wellbeing. I also want to provide members with opportunities to participate in training, increase awareness around mental health, and empower them to take steps to look after themselves.
What have you gained from this role?
Through my role as Vice Chair of the Development & Wellbeing Committee, I have gained valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and supporting others. I have developed skills in planning and delivering training, coordinating campaigns such as “Are Ewe Okay?”, and effectively communicating wellbeing messages to members, including working with RSABI and Papyrus to provide suicide prevention training. This role has strengthened my understanding of mental health, policy development, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. It has also helped me build confidence in myself, recognise my capabilities, and see that I can make a meaningful difference to others. Most importantly, it has allowed me to positively impact members, helping them feel supported, valued, and more aware of how to care for their own wellbeing.
Why would you encourage others to get involved?
I would encourage others to get involved in the committee because it is a valuable opportunity to have your voice heard and make a real difference. If youโre passionate about the wellbeing and development of the organisation, you can contribute your ideas, influence decisions, and help shape initiatives that benefit members across the organisation. Being part of the committee allows you to support wellbeing, promote training and personal development, and raise awareness of key issues such as mental health. Itโs also a chance to develop your own skills, work as part of a team, and see firsthand how your efforts can positively impact others and create lasting change within the organisation.
What would you like to see next for the Development & Wellbeing Committee ?
For the Development & Wellbeing Committee is to advance mental health awareness and support across SAYFC while continuing to foster a positive and inclusive culture. One of my key aims is to expand and embed mental health training across all clubs and districts, with the long-term goal of making it a mandatory part of our development strategy. I would also like to see continued development of the “Are Ewe Okay?” campaign, ensuring it reaches and supports as many members as possible, while maintaining our strong partnership with RSABI to provide expert guidance and resources. Additionally, I want the committee to continue promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity, creating an environment where all members feel valued, heard, and empowered. By doing this, we can strengthen the culture of support within SAYFC and make mental health and wellbeing a visible priority for every member.
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) extends its heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support provided by RSABI and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. Their invaluable contributions significantly empower the efforts of our Development & Wellbeing Committee.
