Largest-yet survey into farmer mental and physical health
© Rabi Farm charity Rabi is teaming up with researchers at the University of Exeter to carry out the biggest survey so far into farmer wellbeing.
The study aims to better understand the mental and physical health issues facing people working in agriculture across England and Wales.
Researchers hope to gather 26,000 responses to the survey, which will engage partners across the industry to help achieve this goal.
See also: Coronavirus: Rural charities face funding crisis
Rabi (the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) has worked with a number of key stakeholders to help develop the survey including the NFU, NFU Cymru, Defra, the Welsh Government, the Worshipful Company of Farmers, the National Rural Mental Health Forum, the Prince’s Countryside Fund and Farmers Weekly.
“We know the farming community is facing changing and increasingly complex challenges,” said Rabi chief executive Alicia Chivers.
“This research is fundamental to ensuring we really understand how these pressures impact on our people, allowing us to continue to develop really effective tools and support to enhance their wellbeing.”
Partnership
Working in partnership with the Exeter University-based Centre for Rural Research and key stakeholders, Rabi wants to gather the most comprehensive, reliable information directly from farming people.
The survey results will not only inform Rabi’s service in the future, but will also provide the agricultural sector with an overview of the issues that the current generation of farming people are facing.
This latest announcement is part of Rabi’s evolving strategy, which saw the charity launch its confidential online wellbeing and counselling services in October. Further details of the research project will be released soon.
To register your interest in sharing the survey, email Suzy Deeley at Rabi – suzy.deeley@rabi.org.uk.