Farmstrong Scotland: Building resilience in farming communities
Through real stories and practical tips, Farmstrong Scotland equips farmers and crofters with tools to prioritse wellbeing and build supportive communities.
Farmstrong Scotland supports farmers and crofters in Scotland by promoting wellbeing and resilience through tailored resources and peer support. Research shows that while many farmers excel in caring for their land, equipment and livestock, they often overlook their mental and physical health.
In an industry marked by unpredictable challenges, like rising costs, changing weather and market fluctuations, farming can be isolating and demanding. Farmstrong encourages Scotland’s agricultural community to make regular, small investments in their wellbeing to better handle these ups and downs.
Farmstrong Scotland is a personal development initiative designed to help farmers, crofters and their families build resilience. This peer-to-peer programme promotes mental, social and physical wellbeing by sharing stories and insights from farmers and crofters.
“Farmstrong is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of life,” explains Chairman John Scott of Fearn Farm. “It’s about sharing what they can do to look after themselves and their businesses.”
With a range of resources like podcasts, webinars and videos, Farmstrong encourages farmers to explore what works best for them. “We want people to invest in their wellbeing to help create a thriving farming or crofting business,” says Alix Ritchie, Farmstrong Scotland’s Programme Director, adding that “better wellbeing equals better business.”
breaking down stigma through peer support
Farmstrong’s peer-to-peer approach plays a crucial role in breaking down the stigma around mental health in farming communities. By sharing personal stories, tips and experiences through various formats, including events and printed stories, Farmstrong normalises these discussions, making it easier for individuals to open up. “This peer-to-peer programme is driven by scientific information and real-life stories,” says Alix Ritchie, noting that “together, we can share, learn and improve wellbeing for farmers and crofters.”
Alix Ritchie explains that Farmstrong keeps the programme aligned with farmers’ needs by conducting regular research and evaluations. “First and foremost, it was vital we carried out the research, which is ongoing, to ensure the programme responds to the needs of our industry,” adds John Scott. An initial survey published in April 2023 conducted with SRUC highlighted high levels of anxiety and exhaustion among farming professionals: “70% indicated they ‘never felt calm and relaxed’ or only did so ‘a little or some of the time’,” Alix shares. This survey underscores the importance of focusing on mental health within the community. The last monitoring round took place in October 2024, ensuring that Farmstrong remains responsive to evolving challenges.
“At Farmstrong we focus on physical, social and mental wellbeing and the resources we develop are driven by the research we conduct within the community.
“Over the next year the team will be developing resources focusing on stress, healthy thinking and improving sleep – some of the key topics that were highlighted from the baseline research.”
Alix Ritchie, Farmstrong Scotland Programme Director
the five ways to wellbeing
Farmstrong encourages five simple yet effective ways to build resilience, a method inspired by international research and Farmstrong’s counterparts in New Zealand. These five principles – Connect, Take Notice, Give, Keep Learning and Be Active – are small steps that can make a big difference. Alix explains that thriving doesn’t require major changes: “It can be as simple as speaking to a friend, noticing the birds, taking time to help a neighbour, listening to a podcast or leaving the quad bike in the shed and walking to check your livestock.”
- Connect
Making friends and spending time with your mates makes a big difference to how you feel. Even when life is busy, try and make it a priority.
- Take Notice
Take notice of the small things in life that make you happy. Each day take a few moments to stop and think about what’s most important to you and what you have that you really appreciate.
- Give
When you give to others, not only do they benefit, but it also makes you feel a lot happier.
- Keep Learning
Being curious and learning about all sorts of things on or off the farm will help you farm and croft smarter. At whatever age, learning new things keeps your thinking open and flexible.
- Be Active
Keeping active is a great way to feel good. Working up a sweat releases endorphins in your system that make you feel fresher and better able to cope with challenges.
aiming for long-term change
Farmstrong Scotland is committed to supporting Scotland’s agricultural community in living healthier, happier lives. By helping farmers and crofters take proactive steps, Farmstrong hopes to build resilience, contributing to more productive and sustainable businesses.
Like many professions, farming and crofting are jobs with plenty of challenges and rewards. There are always ups and downs. That’s why you’ve got to look after yourself. Investing in your wellbeing means you will have some to draw on when under pressure. It will also make you healthier and more productive on the farm or croft.
a unified effort to support rural mental health
Farmstrong Scotland works alongside other initiatives that support the mental health and resilience of Scotland’s rural communities, including farmers and crofters. Alongside Change Mental Health’s initiatives, the National Rural Mental Health Forum and Rural Connections training, they offer farmers and crofters peer support as well as targeted resources and training that address the unique challenges of rural life.
Through its involvement in the National Rural Mental Health Forum, Farmstrong contributes to a shared network of experiences and insights, further spreading awareness and helping reduce mental health stigma in rural areas. Meanwhile, the Rural Connections training offers practical tools for those in rural areas, helping individuals develop skills to manage their own mental health and support others in their communities. This joint effort strengthens the foundation of support available to Scotland’s agricultural community and beyond, building long-term resilience across the sector.
Jim Hume, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Change Mental Health added:
“Tackling mental health and wellbeing is key for rural communities. People can be unsure how to support others; therefore, gaining knowledge is essential. The National Rural Mental Health Forum is valuable in encouraging collaboration and exchanging knowledge and is open to anyone interested.”
support
To find out more visit Farmstrong Scotland, follow them on their social media channels or email them.
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
