Following the results of RABI’s Big Farming Survey, which showed high levels of anxiety, depression and stress and anxiety, staff at H&H Insurance Brokers have received specialist mental health first aid training to encourage more farmers and workers to open up about their struggles.
The training was led by Corinne Cooper, who leads the firm’s operations in North Yorkshire and the North East, and the scheme will be rolled out nationwide across the company.
Senior regional manager for the North East at RABI, Sally Conner, said: “Typically, farmers feel isolated but don’t open up about their mental health struggles. We want them to know that it is ok to open up and talk about how they are feeling.
“What often gets overlooked is that women within a farming family take on a lot of stress as they often look after the household and business admin, but they feel like they’ve got nobody to turn to as they don’t want to pile extra worries on their partner and family.
“As the UK’s leading farming charity, we are on hand to support the farming community, and to have such incredible support from HHIB means that we can collaborate and really make a difference to their lives.
“Account executives at HHIB are in regular contact with farmers and their partners, and being able to spot the signs that somebody is struggling and beginning meaningful conversations is a fantastic way to show there is help out there and they should have the courage to access it should they ever need it.
“RABI is grateful for the support of Corinne and the HHIB team, and it helps us get the message to the farming community that you don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Corinne said: “Farming can be a very lonely occupation, especially when you’re out at all hours, and we are keen to encourage more farmers to open up about their feelings and get the conversation going to remove the stigma attached to mental health.
“Receiving this mental health training will benefit our rural clients who feel isolated and unable to talk to their loved ones, and will make sure we can help them get the help they need to look after their mental, and physical, wellbeing.”
RABI runs a 24/7 helpline for farmers struggling with their mental health on 0800 188 4444. People can also request help by emailing help@rabi.org.uk or by accessing a live chat function at www.rabi.org.uk.
RABI is one of three charities H&H Group, of which HHIB is part of, has selected to support throughout 2025. The other charities are the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) and Growing Well.
