During this week’s Mental Health Awareness Week, RABI is asking the farming community to try to find time to take five minutes to reach out to five friends and check how they’re getting on.

Alicia Chivers, chief executive of RABI, said: “With the continued lack of opportunity to meet face-to-face we are increasingly seeing the impacts of isolation on the mental wellbeing of farming people. Loneliness can be a significant issue for the farming community, and as a result of multiple lockdowns, we know many farmers across the country are under increasing pressure.

“We can all make a real difference by simply sending a message or picking up the phone for a quick chat. Our friendships are among the most valuable relationships we have and are a crucial tool to help protect our mental health. This is why we are encouraging everyone working in agriculture to reach out to five members of the farming community this week by sending a message or giving them a call.”

This latest #5for5 drive to support farmer wellbeing comes with the full support of RABI whose vision is that ‘no farmer should ever face adversity alone’.

Ms Chivers said: “Mental Health Awareness Week serves as a timely reminder to all to consider how important mental wellbeing is. We really hope you’ll be able to join us in spending five minutes to reach out to five loved ones.”