Farmstrong: peer support for farmers and crofters
A new peer-to-peer rural wellbeing programme for the farming and crofting sector has launched.
Farmstrong Scotland seeks to help farmers and crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of their lives by sharing real life stories and highlighting what they can do to look after themselves and their business. Hearing from others facing similar circumstances can reduce isolation and help farmers and crofters to understand that looking after their wellbeing is not only good for them personally but makes good business sense.
Farmstrong Scotland is run by farmers and crofters for farmers and crofters. The hope is that personal, practical stories can help before things get too much and encourage the development of coping skills and resilience. In the first story, crofters Lynn and Sandra from Highlands share how making a diary to ensure they have time away from the croft and have family visit has given them a better balance in life and energised them. In another Hazel, a farmer’s wife, tells of a rediscovered love of wild swimming which has brought a sense of peace and a new network in Orkney Polar Bears group.
Keeping busy, as farmers and crofters do, they have also launched a new podcast Blether Together hosted by BBC broadcast presenter Sarah Stephen who is best known for her time on BBC Landward. In the first episode, livestock farmer John Scott has a very honest discussion about the ups and downs of farming, and how small changes to his life are making a big difference to his wellbeing and business.
Personal resilience and wellbeing is something we neglect as an industry as we don’t place enough value on ourselves. We are time-poor and spend so much of it maintaining our machinery, checking the health and welfare of our animals and thinking about the wellbeing of our business but often neglect our greatest asset – ourselves.
Alex Ritchie, Farmstrong Programme Director
Farmstrong Scotland will enable the farming community to learn how to improve their own wellbeing which – in turn – will help them to farm and croft better. Learning how to build up resilience for demanding or tough times is a key element of Farmstrong Scotland; making sure farmers and crofters have some coping strategies in their wellbeing account to draw on.
‘This is a great peer-to-peer opportunity for farmers and crofters. We know how important it is for people to share their experiences and to know that others understand. So read, listen and connect in with the Farmstrong Scotland Wellbeing Hub!’
Louise Christie, Scottish Recovery Network Director
