Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales, is calling on any farmers who are struggling to cope mentally, to sign up for a national conference this week.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee is backing The Farmers’ Union of Wales who is hosting an All Wales Mental Health Conference, via Zoom, on Friday October 9.
He said: “No-one should feel alone and unable to cope. In these difficult and challenging times many people are feeling the stresses and strains caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and this applies particularly to the farming community.
“As we near World Mental Health Day, I welcome the FUW organising an event which will highlight poor mental health in rural communities.
“It is absolutely vital that help is available for those who are trying to come to terms with what has happened, both throughout the country and to their own lives, since March. More people than ever need to know they are not alone.
“Covid–19 has put tremendous pressure on us all and farmers, who have been particularly badly affected financially by the pandemic, need to hear and learn what steps are being taken to help them.”
The conference will hear from a top panel of speakers with the morning session exploring the wider context of poor mental health in rural communities and what steps need to be taken by Government, decision makers and policy shapers to address the situation.
Speakers for the morning session, which starts at 10.30am and is chaired by Farmers Guardian Chief Reporter Abi Kay, include Sara Lloyd, Team Leader, South Ceredigion Community Mental Health Team and John Forbes-Jones, Corporate Manager Mental Wellbeing Services, Ceredigion County Council.
The afternoon session, which starts at 2pm, will take a practical approach and hear from various dedicated mental health charities offering hands-on advice for those who are supporting a loved one going through mental issues as well as those who are currently experiencing poor mental health.
Speakers for the afternoon session, which is chaired by well- known TV Presenter Alun Elidyr, include Gareth Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Tir Dewi and David Williams, Wales Regional Director, the Farming Community Network.
FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “Poor mental health and suicide in rural and farming communities is sadly an increasing problem and one that the FUW has made a commitment to tackle.
“We understand that mental health problems can affect a person’s ability to process information and solve problems, deplete their energy and motivation, and increase impulsive behaviour. Whilst the symptoms are being treated, the root causes of these issues are not so frequently addressed.
“This conference will therefore go beyond the usual points of discussions and explore the subject further. It is an open event and anyone with an interest in mental health is welcome to join us virtually on the day.”
To register for the event go to: https://www.fuw.org.uk/en/all-wales-mental-health-conference.
