Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Mental Health: Farming and Agricultural Communities

11 November 2024 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury

Agriculture & Rural AffairsMental Health

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Aphra Brandreth raised concerns about mental health: farming and agricultural communities in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The hon. Member raised concerns about low mental wellbeing scores among farmers, with over a third having significantly low scores and nearly half experiencing anxiety.
  • The MP highlighted that challenges such as the Ukraine invasion, inflation, and adverse weather have worsened existing difficulties for farmers.
  • The hon. Member called for a preventive policy approach and an integrated strategy in government decision-making for agricultural communities, focusing on young people in rural areas.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury

The hon. Member raised the issue of mental health crisis in rural and agricultural communities, highlighting findings from a large research project by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution that revealed low mental wellbeing scores among farmers compared to the wider UK population. The survey showed over a third had significantly low mental wellbeing scores, with similar numbers possibly depressed according to NHS thresholds, nearly half experiencing anxiety, and one in five knowing someone who attempted suicide. Since the report’s launch in January 2021, challenges such as Putin's invasion of Ukraine, inflation, and adverse weather conditions have exacerbated existing difficulties for farmers. The MP stressed the need for policy that prevents mental health issues rather than reacting to them. She mentioned organisations like RABI, Farming Community Network, and Yellow Wellies’ “Mind Your Head” project. Additionally, she called for an integrated approach in government decision-making regarding agricultural communities, a specific strategy for young people living in rural areas due to the high number of mental health issues among this demographic post-pandemic, and ensuring farmers are at the centre of policy decisions.

Other contributors (2)
  • [Unspecified MP]

    The hon. Member acknowledges that rural isolation exacerbates mental health issues.

  • [Unspecified MP]

    Another hon. Member noted the importance of addressing volatility in farming and its impact on mental health.

Government Response

Daniel Zeichner

The Minister began by expressing condolences to those affected by farmer suicides, acknowledging the challenges farmers face and their crucial role. He welcomed growing awareness of mental health issues in agriculture and highlighted ongoing support from charities like RABI and Farming Community Network. The Government is continuing a three-year contract with the Farming Community Network for TB-affected farmers and funding several organisations to address these issues. They are recruiting 8,500 new mental health workers trained to support those at risk of suicide and providing a £10 million suicide prevention grant fund until March 2025. The Minister emphasised tackling loneliness in rural areas through initiatives like the 'Better Health—Every Mind Matters' campaign and the Tackling Loneliness Hub, committing to supporting farmers' mental health and wellbeing.

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