Rural Farmers and Communities 2023-03-30
2023-03-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers face high suicide risks, and recent inquiries highlight the need for better support. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry on rural community mental health and a report by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution detail concerns.
What steps are being taken to support the mental wellbeing of farmers and other members of rural communities? We know that farmers are at high risk of suicide, and recent inquiries highlight the need for better support. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry on rural community mental health and a report by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution reveal significant concerns.
The Department's farm welfare forum brings together England's largest farming welfare organisations, providing excellent mental health support. The future farming resilience fund offers free expert business advice, including mental health and wellbeing support. DEFRA supports community action to tackle loneliness via Action with Communities in Rural England funding. We work with Yellow Wellies charity for advice on identifying potential mental health issues and addressing them.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not fully addressed; more details on concrete actions or additional support were expected.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Northern Ireland face significant mental health issues, as revealed by Rural Support. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee inquiry on rural community mental health highlights the need for support.
What discussions has the Minister had with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs back home in relation to additional support for our farmers? We could deal with this issue better together across the United Kingdom. Mental illness among farmers is increasing across the whole UK, as revealed by Rural Support.
We always have conversations with our colleagues across devolved Administrations to address important issues. Together, we can encourage conversations and support through various charities. The Government will play their part in supporting these charities.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about discussions regarding additional support for Northern Irish farmers, but the response did not provide concrete details on such discussions.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Northern Ireland face significant mental health issues, as highlighted by Rural Support. The issue is critical and requires additional support.
Mental illness among farmers is greatly increasing across the whole UK. Hundreds of farmers in Northern Ireland are suffering from mental health issues, according to Rural Support. What discussions has the Minister had with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs back home in relation to additional support for our farmers? We could deal with this issue better together across the United Kingdom.
We always have conversations with our colleagues across devolved Administrations to address important issues. Together, we can encourage conversations and support through various charities. The Government will play their part in supporting these charities.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was about discussions on additional support for Northern Irish farmers, but the response did not provide concrete details on such discussions.
Response accuracy