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Network of mental health first aiders to support farmers announced
A major mental health push is planned by RSABI for Caithness and Sutherland
A vital network of Mental Health First Aiders is set to be established in the Caithness and Sutherland agricultural community, in response to a new initiative from RSABI.
During the coming months, agricultural businesses and organisations in the area will be offered free Mental Health First Aid training from RSABI, the charity which provides financial, practical and emotional support to people in Scottish agriculture.
The training courses will be available at no charge, thanks to an £11,000 donation from the Mill family in memory of Alexander Mill, a much-respected farmer who tragically took his life.
Alexander was just 45 when he died completely unexpectedly and is greatly missed by his family and local community. He took great pride in his North Country Cheviots and very much enjoyed spending time in Caithness Livestock Centre and Dingwall Mart, happy to have a chat and share his news with everyone.
It is hoped that auction staff will be among those taking part in the Mental Health First Aid training which is aimed at equipping people with the knowledge and skills to be able to spot someone who is struggling and to know what to say and do to encourage them to get further support.
Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive (pictured above) said:
“Tragically, suicide continues to claim the lives of people of all ages in our agricultural communities.”
“We know that being more open in talking about suicide will help to save lives and we are extremely grateful to the Mill family for choosing to donate the funds to support the mental health work of RSABI.
“Our thanks go to everyone who contributed to the fund in Alexander’s memory – we will ensure every penny is carefully used to support the Caithness and Sutherland agricultural community. By developing a network of mental health first aiders in the area we hope to support people in the communities to be proactive in playing their part to keep people safe.”
RSABI receives funding from NFU Mutual Charitable Trust to deliver its Mental Health First Aid programme throughout Scotland and this work will also continue, along with the major push in Caithness and Sutherland.
The training will be delivered by former Royal Marines at IED Training Solutions, who also share their own mental health journeys as part of the training. This takes place over one full day, with lunch included. To arrange training, please email mentalhealthtraining@rsabi.org.uk with your contact details.
RSABI has recently recruited a full-time member of staff working on Suicide Prevention, thanks to funding from the Alistair and Margaret Miller Trust. The charity is also undertaking a major research project with Glasgow University aimed at understanding and preventing suicide within Scotland’s farming and crofting communities.
The agricultural charity is also supporting a major ongoing campaign including a website with a range of information, resources and a local services directory which is available at suicideprevention.scot. This work is led by Suicide Prevention Scotland and RSABI is one of the community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
RSABI’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (Available 24/7)
- Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (Available Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am. At weekends, open between Friday 6pm and Monday 6am)
- NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (Available 24/7)
- If you don’t feel you can keep yourself safe right now, please seek immediate help by attending any Accident and Emergency (A&E) or contact 999 and request an ambulance.
Alexander Mill photograph credit to Colin Campbell Photography
