Farm businesses no matter what their size are being urged to sign-up to the Farming Pledge
A new national commitment designed to foster safer, more supportive working environments across agriculture has been launched to mark the end of this year's Mind Your Head campaign.
The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) has today (February 13) unveiled the Farming Pledge, calling on everyone involved in farming, from family‑run holdings to the largest agricultural businesses, to recognise the signs of someone struggling, start conversations that could save a life and ensure help is accessible before a moment of distress becomes a crisis.
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Devised in partnership with suicide‑prevention charity the Baton of Hope, Yellow Wellies said it hoped the new commitment will help all those in agriculture to confront one of the most profound challenges facing the sector.
Standing together
Farm Safety Foundation manager Stephanie Berkeley said: "For nine years now we have been trying to shine a light on something often left in the shadows of our industry. But this year, more than ever, we have witnessed something very special – we have seen what can happen when we speak honestly, listen deeply and stand together as a community.
"The Farming Pledge reflects what so many of us already know to be true: that farming is a community where we look after our own and that by taking simple, proactive steps, we can change lives and save lives."
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The Baton of Hope's existing Workplace Pledge has already gained traction among major UK employers, including NHS South Yorkshire, Royal Mail, British Steel, Oxford United FC and Baxi, demonstrating the impact that leadership and cultural change can have when mental health is treated as a priority.
Mental health champions
Building on this momentum and informed by the charity's role within the National Suicide Prevention Network, rural insurer NFU Mutual has become the first organisation to sign as a Gold Pledger, signaling a strong commitment to championing mental wellbeing at a time when rural communities need it most.
It is joined by Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke, a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Rural Affairs. She and her team will also undertake Yellow Wellies' new Suicide Awareness and Prevention eLearning, underscoring the growing recognition in Westminster of the urgent need to support those living and working in the farming sector.
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