Farmstrong to launch mental health workshops in Scotland

A new series of mental wellbeing workshops designed specifically for farmers and crofters is being rolled out across Scotland, with organisers aiming to bring practical support directly into agricultural communities.

Farmstrong Scotland has launched its Foundations of Mental Strength programme, a Scotland-wide initiative supported by the Scottish government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

The project will deliver structured, evidence-based sessions focused on improving resilience and mental well-being in the farming sector.

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The six workshops are designed as flexible, standalone sessions that can be delivered individually or combined into a full course. The initiative is set to begin later this month.

Farmstrong Scotland director Alix Ritchie said the organisation is encouraging wider industry involvement.

“We are now actively inviting agricultural organisations, advisers, and industry stakeholders to consider integrating these valuable workshops into existing events, farm meetings, and discussion groups,” she said.

Workshop focus

Developed in partnership with psychotherapeutic counsellors from Mind & Mission, each workshop focuses on a key aspect of mental strength.

Topics include:

• Understanding how personal experiences influence decision-making
• Identifying core values
• Recognising and managing difficult emotions.

For farmers and crofters, the expected benefits go beyond awareness as the sessions aim to deliver practical outcomes such as:

• Improved resilience
• Reduced stress-related incidents
• Stronger peer support networks within rural communities.

Improving wellbeing

The programme follows a Farmstrong survey of 411 farmers and crofters from December last year, which found over one-third had below-average wellbeing scores.

However, 80% of participants who engaged with Farmstrong experienced positive changes, such as increased social interaction, physical activity, and taking time away from farm work.

Ms Ritchie emphasised that wellbeing initiatives are most effective when integrated into everyday farming life rather than being treated separately.

She added that those interested in hosting or attending workshops are encouraged to get in touch at hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk.