NFU Scotland’s North East region is set to drive forward health and well-being in the farming community with a new conference focussing on rural mental health.
The first North East Mental Health Conference will take place on Thursday, November 7 at 7:00pm in the Kintore Arms, Inverurie.
The event, which will be chaired by NFUS chief executive Scott Walker, will give attendees the opportunity to hear from those who have overcome difficult times while running a farming business.
It will also build on local initiatives with NHS Grampian and will see Robert Gordon University (RGU) discuss the findings of its survey and research, carried out in collaboration with NFUS and NHS Grampian, to develop tools to support the mental wellbeing of the farming community.
Keynote speaker is Jim Hume, convener of the National Rural Mental Health Forum.
Farmers Kevin Gilbert and Gary Mitchell will discuss some of the mental health challenges they have overcome and will share the stage with Graham Morgan MBE, a sufferer who is now an ambassador with the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.
Later in the day, Chris Littlejohn of NHS Grampian and Prof. Liz Hancock of RGU will discuss research underway in the North East to help understand the magnitude of the challenge farming faces.
Rural charity RSABI’s welfare manager Mags Granger will also outline the important work RSABI carries out to support the industry.
Commenting on the first North East Mental Health Conference, regional chairman Davie Winton said: “Your health is your wealth and we are delighted to be hosting this conference which we hope many of our members will take the opportunity to participate in.
The huge stresses in our industry nowadays mean that we are all aware of someone somewhere who is suffering.
“This event will help us all better recognise the early symptoms of depression and show us how best to help support each other to get through the dark days. The quality of speakers is phenomenal, and this event should be a real cracker.
Liz Hancock, RGU vice-principal, added: “The university is working in close collaboration with NHS Grampian and the NFU on a piece of research to develop an intervention to enhance the mental wellbeing of the Scottish farming population.
“To date, a full systematic review of literature has been undertaken and members of the farming community have been interviewed to explore opinions on their mental health and wellbeing and what can be done to improve it.
“Work is in progress to codesign an intervention and we look forward to sharing our findings at the event.”
