Tackling Mental Health in Scottish Agriculture with RSABI

In 2023, RSABI began working with IED Training, now part of Rizon, to provide First Aid for Mental Health Training to people throughout the country’s agriculture sector. We spoke with RSABI’s Chief Executive, Carol McLaren, and Executive Assistant, Lorraine Craven, to find out more about their work and the impact of this groundbreaking scheme.

A Hidden Problem in the Farming Sector

Mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, substance abuse and depression, are a significant problem in the agriculture industry. In fact, a recent survey found that 95% of young farmers identified poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing the sector. There are many factors that contribute to this, Carol explains, including weather dependence, anti-social hours, family pressures and public scrutiny. 

Emotional support is already paramount to the work RSABI do, offering a 24 hour support line, 0808 1234 555, and web chat, and the opportunity to meet at events throughout the country. Post COVID lockdown, however, Carol says, when agricultural events got going again, the same issue came up again and again – workers throughout the industry were recognising signs of poor mental health issues in themselves and others, but did not have the skillset or confidence to address them. 

Why Working With Former Royal Marines Was Key

After talking to their peers at the Gamekeepers Welfare Trust, who had been through a similar process, RSABI decided to offer First Aid for Mental Health training with IED, now part of Rizon. For Carol and the team, the fact that IED’s qualified trainers are former Royal Marines was key. There are many similarities between the two professions – both are proud, dedicated and focused, but also often work alone, in all weather conditions and terrain, and in many cases feel uncomfortable opening up about their mental health.

Opting for First Aid for Mental Health at Level 5 means that RSABI’s participants become qualified Mental Health First Aiders upon completing the course. It teaches them how to recognise the signs of mental health issues, including the variety of ways these may present in others and themselves. It also gives them training on how to confidently begin supportive conversations with people who may be struggling, removing some of the worry that can come around saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse.

Maximising Results Through Strategic Training

Aided by funding from NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, RSABI implemented their training strategically, working from what Carol describes as a pyramid structure. By focusing on training those in roles which interact with lots of people in the industry – the impact will cascade down, touching more lives right across the country. The hope is that for every one person trained, a staggering 200 will benefit.

RSABI liaises with IED to set up training client sites in every corner of Scotland. Despite their work in harder-to-reach regions of the country, and working with individuals in all aspects of the farming industry, Lorraine says that organising their training with IED has been straightforward – the team is always punctual, efficient and driven to make things happen.

Creating Impact No Matter Where You Are

It’s been particularly rewarding for the team at RSABI to take the training across the country, including to the islands of Orkney, Uist and Shetland. People in these areas are particularly affected by mental health struggles, and are often private and difficult to reach. 

Carol and Lorraine admit that they were worried about what the turnout might be in rural locations like Orkney. They were surprised and thrilled to have fully booked sessions over two days there, sparked by positive word of mouth throughout the industry about the training from IED. Instructors Hugh and Ross have been particularly excellent in relating to participants in these locations, and have been willing to get hands on with their work – meeting cattle farmers and visiting lambing sheds – “It’s a real secret to the success of the training”, says Carol.

Measuring Success Beyond Numbers

Incredibly, RSABI has given nearly 1000 farm industry workers First Aid for Mental Health training, and gets frequent enquiries from those who wish to refresh their knowledge. It’s an incredible figure, and one we can’t wait to celebrate with them – but the impact of this training goes far beyond numbers.

In one memorable example, Carol shared with us the story of an individual in a very official role that involved frequent visits to different farms. Those at RSABI knew that this individual’s demeanour and his conduct were having a negative impact – he wasn’t showing empathy or kindness on his visits, indicating potential internal struggles that were affecting not just him, but those around him. After the training, there was a transformation. His demeanour changed substantially for the better, showing the real impact that the training can make to someone who is struggling.

Another poignant story involved a young farmer from the North of Scotland who sadly took his own life in his 30s. His family asked RSABI to deliver some training sessions in the area he was from as the programme was so important to him, and it was a fitting way to honour his memory.

A Remarkable Partnership

The RSABI’s relationship with IED continues, as new people undergo training, and those previously trained return for more. Carol and Lorraine both state their intention to keep the initiative going well into the future, with targets to reach more challenging parts of the country, and even mention their wish for some Gaelic-language training!

This partnership truly shows the power of finding the right training provider for the right role. IED’s marine background complements the farming industry perfectly, and through their efficiency, high-quality training, and a real willingness to get stuck into the participants’ way of life, the impact this collaboration has had so far has been nothing short of remarkable.