Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Applications from across Scotland for new Child Disability Payment

Clients from every local authority in Scotland have successfully applied for the new Child Disability Payment in the weeks following its national launch.

Following a pilot in three local authority areas, the benefit was rolled out across the country from 22 November 2021.

According to the latest official statistics, almost £400,000 has been paid out between the pilot’s start date of 26 July 2021 and 31 December 2021.

Most applications have been received from Glasgow City (12%), followed by pilot areas Dundee City (11%) and Perth & Kinross (8%).

Clients receiving Child Disability Payment can get payments to cover care and mobility. More than half (52%) of clients were authorised for both, with 47% awarded care only and 1% mobility only.

The care payment is split into three tiers, high, middle and low levels. The highest level has been authorised to 43% of clients, with middle 40% and lowest 17%.

Child Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children.

Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to make a new application as we will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred.

Heather from Peebles successfully applied for Child Disability Payment for her child.

She said: “Having previous experience of applying for Disability Living Allowance for children, I was so delighted to see how well the form is designed and it gave lots of guidance as to the information required.

“Being able to do it online in chunks and go back to it is very helpful and makes things much easier. This easier application process will open the door to help more vulnerable children and families to apply.

“I am so grateful as this will make such a difference to the enhancements I can provide for him. The things that bring my son joy are video games and learning skills at forest school.

“Having that bit more money from Child Disability Payment means he can do more courses like this where they work in small groups. That really builds his confidence and self-esteem. The positive experience of this then helps him to cope better with the challenges of the school environment.

“Hopefully this will have the knock-on effect in the long term, boosting his self-worth and encouraging him to make friends. The impact on his education has been incredible.”

Child Disability Payment provides money to help with the extra care and mobility costs children and young people with a disability may have, up to the age of 18.

People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.

Nurse who had two ‘pandemic’ babies urges mums-to-be to get vaccinated 

A Glasgow nurse who has had two babies during the pandemic, is urging other mums-to-be to follow her lead and get their COVID vaccinations.
 
Ali Hair, who is a nurse on a surgical ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is mum to Solomon (17 months) and three-month-old Iris.

When she was pregnant with her son there were no vaccines available but Ali jumped at the chance to get one in January 2021. She had her second in March when she was a few weeks pregnant with Iris, followed by her booster in September.
 
Ali said: “Pregnancy is a very worrying time, but even more so in a pandemic. But I had no hesitation in getting my vaccinations, to protect me, my baby, my family and of course my patients. It’s not new technology; we have had flu jags for years. It’s just a different vaccine and there is strong evidence behind it.
 
“Pregnant women are at risk of becoming sicker with the virus than other women of the same age and many have been hospitalised. Some have even had to be delivered early and that’s never something you want.
 
Baby Iris was born on 4 November and Ali started tandem breastfeeding her two babies.
 
Ali said: “I’m not sure if that was the reason but myself and the babies managed to escape catching COVID at Christmas when our whole family got together. My partner Christopher also escaped it. Twelve out of sixteen people got it, but we were fine.
 
“I do understand why some women may have reservations as pregnancy is a worrying time, but it was the right decision for me and my family and made me feel protected.”
 
NHSGGC Director of Public Health, Linda de Caestecker said: “We encourage all pregnant women to get their vaccinations – it’s the best protection you can get for you and your baby.  

“The vaccine is safe for women at any stage of pregnancy or breastfeeding so please come forward for jabs if not already protected.”

Pandemic Puppies – The Next Generation

National survey to determine whether Covid-19 continues to impact puppy buying

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is once again calling on puppy owners to take part in a national online survey to understand the pre-purchase motivations and behaviours of owners of puppies purchased during 2021.

Data from the survey, known as “Pandemic Puppies – The Next Generation”, will be used as a comparison to previous years (2019 and 2020), to determine whether the changes in puppy buying in the UK seen during the COVID-19 pandemic have returned to their pre-pandemic baseline or persisted into 2021.

Following the major success of the RVC’s first study in 2020, this follow-up study will investigate the legacy of this period and the future of UK puppy buying culture, particularly given pandemic restrictions continue to lift within the UK.

While many owners were likely making well-intentioned purchases, the demand has inevitably increased the risk to puppy health and welfare. Vets are concerned that the pandemic puppy boom is persisting, consequently adding pressure to veterinary services in the UK.

Therefore, the findings of this study will be used to help support owners regarding their dogs’ future welfare as well as informing the approach that key players within the veterinary and animal welfare sectors should take when sharing educational messaging with prospective owners to better promote canine welfare.

Dr Rowena Packer, Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC said: “The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in the way many of us bought our household goods, with online ordering and delivery a common feature of lockdown life.

“The pandemic also led to changes in the way the UK bought puppies during 2020, due to the many restrictions to travel and social contact during this period.

“Many of these so-called ‘Pandemic Puppies’ became much-cherished companions, helping households cope with lockdown life; however, there are concerns that some owners were duped into buying from unscrupulous breeders. We are interested in whether pandemic-related changes in puppy buying persisted into 2021, so we can best support owners of puppies bought during this period going forward.

“We would love to hear from anyone who purchased a puppy during 2021 to share their experiences.”

Results from the Winter 2020 survey – which involved more than 7,500 respondents – uncovered several changes in buying habits. Owners were more likely to buy a younger puppy, pay a deposit without seeing their puppy, be first-time dog owners with children in their household, and pay more than £2,000.

Other factors included owners being more likely to see their puppy without their littermates and collecting their puppy from outside their breeders’ property or having it delivered.

These pandemic-related changes, such as viewing and purchasing puppies online, and having them delivered directly to owners may be perceived as ‘convenient’ by some but in fact, threaten canine welfare.

Posing harms to both puppies and breeding dogs, understanding whether this online culture is preferred by consumers, and if so, how to change it to protect canine welfare will be key.

“Pandemic Puppies – The Next Generation” is now open for responses, with findings expected by the summer.

Respondents to the online survey must be over 18 years of age, residents in the UK, have brought home a puppy (any breed or cross breed) aged under 16 weeks during 2021, and to have purchased their puppy from a private seller rather than rehomed or bred the puppy themselves.

If you would like more information, please visit: www.rvc.uk.com/Pandemic-Puppies-of-2021-research or, to take part in the survey, visit: 

www.rvc.uk.com/Puppy2021-survey

‘Green’ Freeport for Leith?

Scottish and UK Governments reach agreement

A partnership agreement to establish two ‘Green’ Freeports in Scotland has been reached between Scottish and UK Ministers.

Following ‘robust’ discussions in recent months, both governments have agreed:

  • to establish a joint applicant prospectus, with Ministers and officials from both the Scottish and UK Government having an equal say throughout the assessment and selection process
  • that applicants in Scotland are required to contribute towards a just transition to net-zero emissions by 2045, delivering net-zero benefits and creating new green jobs
  • that applicants in Scotland are required to set out how they will support high-quality employment opportunities that offer good salaries and conditions, and how fair work practices will be embedded in the green freeport area

Ministers have agreed that a joint offer set out in a prospectus offers the maximum benefits for the Scottish economy as both governments will be able to deliver tax reliefs and other incentives through a combination of devolved and reserved powers.

As a result of the recent negotiations, UK Ministers are expected to provide up to £52 million in seed funding to help establish Green Freeports in Scotland which is in line with funding offered to Freeports across England.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said: “I am pleased we have been able to reach an agreement on a joint approach that recognises the distinct needs of Scotland’s economy and enshrines the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero and embedding fair work practices through public investment.  

“The Scottish Government will have an equal say on all bids, and will expect bidders to adhere to fair work practices including payment of the Real Living Wage.

“Scotland has a rich history of innovative manufacturers and so as we look to grasp the many opportunities of achieving net-zero, the establishment of internationally competitive clusters of excellence will help us create new green jobs, deliver a just transition and support our economic transformation.

“We can only seize Scotland’s economic potential if we create secure, sustainable and satisfying jobs that also help build a fairer, more prosperous economy for everyone. That is my absolute priority and establishing Green Freeports will be integral to achieving this.”

Secretary of State Michael Gove said:  “This is a truly exciting moment for Scotland, and I am delighted we will be working together with the Scottish Government to set up two new Green Freeports.

“Green Freeports help inject billions into the local economy, while levelling-up by creating jobs for local people, and opportunities for people all over the UK to flourish.  

“By collaborating using opportunities like Green Freeports we can work to level-up the whole of the UK and bring benefits and opportunities to communities that need it most.” 

The term ‘Green Freeports’ reflects the Scottish Government’s distinctive net zero aspirations. The UK Government will continue to use the term ‘Freeports’ for its programme in the rest of the UK.

Forth Ports – which owns and operates seven ports on Scotland’s East coast and the Port of Tilbury, which is part of the recently-announced Thames Freeport  – has issued a statement following the announcement.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports, said: “We welcome the announcement by the UK and Scottish governments of the forthcoming bid process for two Green Freeports in Scotland and confirm that we plan to participate in this process. 

“A Firth of Forth Green Freeport will catalyse the decarbonisation of Scotland’s major industrial cluster, creating 50,000 new, high-quality jobs in renewable energy, manufacturing, sustainable fuels and construction.

“Building on our first-hand experience of freeports, we plan to create an ambitious set of programmes to harness the regeneration benefits of this economic policy. 

“The legacy of our green freeport will be the creation of large-scale green manufacturing industries with significant export potential and a sustainable fuel cluster, alongside major upgrades to infrastructure and skills development among young adults to ensure a Team Scotland approach as the UK transitions to a decarbonised future.”

Valentine’s Viewing: The UK’s favourite Rom-coms

  • ‘Palm Springs’ is the UK’s favourite Romantic comedy
  • ‘Juno’ and ‘Groundhog Day’ take second and third on the list
  • ‘Amelie’ and ‘Love Actually’ also make the top ten

New research has revealed that 2020’s ‘Palm Springs’ is the UK’s favourite rom-com.

The research, conducted by PokerListings.com looked at the number of Google searches, review scores and Wikipedia page views of the most popular rom-coms, to determine which one came out on top.

It found that 2020’s ‘Palm Springs’, starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, was the UK’s favourite. The film receives more than 193,000 searches a month, accompanied with a Rotten Tomatoes Audience score of 88%, which sees it sit at the top. Released digitally in 2020 in the US on Hulu where it broke the platform’s streaming records, it reached UK audiences via Prime Video in early 2021 to further appeal.

The coming-of-age movie ‘Juno’ sits in second place, with UK audiences searching the title more than 158,000 times a month. Starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera in leading roles, the film received praise from critics and audiences alike upon its release in 2007, also winning ‘Best Writing for an Original Screenplay’ at the 2008 Academy Awards. It arrived on Disney+ in December last year which introduced it to wider audiences nearly 15 years after its release.

The Bill Murray classic ‘Groundhog Day’ comes in third place, with more than 50,000 searches a month and with an 8/10 rating on IMDB, one of the highest on the list. It’s often spoken about as one of the most influential comedy movies of all time, with the common term ‘Groundhog Day’ referring to a day that keeps reoccurring, originating from the movie from its release in 1993.

MovieRT Audience scoreIMDB RatingNumber of monthly Google searchesWiki Page daily average views
Palm Springs887.41930003,566
Juno887.41586003,369
Groundhog Day888503006,726
Love Actually727.61920010,068
Amelie958.3463004,507
Silver Linings Playbook867.715508,123
Breakfast at Tiffany’s917.655004,947
Some Like It Hot948.221503,996
Notting Hill797.1286005,406
The Holiday806.9401004,897

‘Love Actually’ falls just outside the top three with the film not only being a popular rom-com but a fan favourite Christmas movie as well. The ensemble cast of stars like Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth makes it one of the most rewatchable British films.

In fifth place is the French movie ‘Amelie’ which was released in 2001. It’s the best-rated film in the list, with a Rotten Tomatoes Audience score of 95% and an 8.3/10 on IMDB. In the year it was released, it won ‘Best Film’ at the European Film Awards and was even nominated for five Academy Awards.

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from PokerListings said: “With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s often that romantic comedies are the films couples turn to for their perfect combination of laughter and intimacy, and this list will hopefully provide some viewing inspiration. It’s fascinating to see how timeless films like ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Some Like It Hot’ are, with the classics competing with newer titles like ‘Palm Springs’ in the list.”

PokerListings.com is the world’s largest and most trusted online poker guide, offering the best online poker bonus deals guaranteed.

Lauriston farm site to be transformed by Unexpected Garden

The site will be one of 12 Unexpected Gardens around Scotland as part of creative arts programme Dandelion, showing that even the unlikeliest of places can bloom

Gardens are set to transform unexpected places in Edinburgh as it’s announced today, Edinburgh Agroecology Coop (EAC) will be partnering with creative arts programme, Dandelion,to grow an Unexpected Garden within Lauriston Farm.

Commissioned by EventScotland and funded via the Scottish Government,  Dandelion is Scotland’s contribution to UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, a nationwide programme of creative events and engagement.

Driven by the concept of ‘Sow, Grow, Share’ – not just food but ideas, music, scientific knowledge, and community – Dandelion takes a unique approach to growing.

Bringing together artists, scientists, performers, and technologists to present events and programmes throughout Scotland, including the Unexpected Gardens, Dandelion will culminate in hundreds of harvest celebrations later this year.

Bringing new life to community libraries, car parks and even tidal sites from the Western Isles to the Borders, the Unexpected Gardens are set to be a highlight of Dandelion, taking place from April to September 2022.

The 100-acre Edinburgh site will give members of the EAC and volunteers to the site the opportunity to experiment with farming practices and nurture the indigenous and existing plants, while creating a magnificent portal to Lauriston Farm. The EAC will work closely with North Edinburgh Arts on the project as they invite residents and wider communities to come together to learn and grow.

A spokesperson for Lauriston Farm said: “Lauriston Farm is delighted to be part of this nationwide project that celebrates the diversity of growing, people and places.

“Having the opportunity and support to create a unique garden and cultural programme that connects community, art and food is fantastic and enhances pathways for creative engagement in the farm.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of people to explore and participate in the garden and activities at the farm.”

Other sites include Findhorn Bay Arts’ gardens in the centre of Forres, the unique garden will respond to the town’s main square and multiple alleys, promoting the growing of mushrooms which will thrive in the dark shadowy entryways. Also in the Highlands, arriving to sites across Caithness, Lyth Arts Centre’s Garden will roll off a trailer and become home to a performance and workshop space.

In Fife, the Leven Programme will convert the car park of The Centre – a community space – into a garden site. While Cove Park in Argyll will look to the water as they use tidal sites in Loch Long and Gare Loch to focus on food and flora native to the area such as sea buckthorn and seaweed.

Elsewhere in Scotland, RIG Arts will take over a site behind South West Library in Greenock, Taigh Chearsabhagh in Uist, Fèis Rois in Alness, The Stove Network and Stranraer Development Trust, Alchemy Film & Arts in the Borders and a partnership of organisations in Dundee are also dusting off their green fingers to get involved!

Neil Butler, Festival and Events Director said: “We’re excited to announce today the locations of our Unexpected Gardens. We look forward to watching each of the gardens come to life as they grow and hope that their programme of events succeeds in bringing people together.

“Sustainability lies at the heart of our programme, and we can’t wait to see people from all over Scotland sowing, growing and sharing food, music, ideas.”

Each Unexpected Garden will host a programme of events unique to each location throughout the summer, programmed by a creative producer. A local Musician in Residence will also be appointed to each site, with applications now open, to create a new piece of work to be presented at the culminating Harvest event in September. Lauriston Farm is one of 10 sites currently taking applications for the role, for more information, and to apply please go to dandelion.scot/opportunities

Additionally, the gardens will be visited by Dandelion’s specially designed Cubes of Perpetual Light, part-artwork, part-miniature vertical farms, the cubes will grow hundreds of seedlings under LED light, showcasing the latest technological innovation in horticulture.

Fiona Dalgetty, Futures Director, said: “As part of Dandelion, we’re excited to work with a local musician or band who will help provide the soundtrack to our harvest. Our Musician in Residence role is a great opportunity for artists who are passionate about the environment and the climate crisis to share their voice. Music has the fantastic ability to forge emotional connection and unify people from all walks of life and hopefully create an understanding of the environmental challenges facing our times.”

Marie Christie, Head of Development at Event Scotland said: “We are thrilled to see that gardens across the whole of Scotland will be enjoyed by local people and visitors as part of the Dandelion programme throughout this year. It’s wonderful to be part of a project that celebrates such creativity and aims to connect with the widest range of audiences and participants.”

Dandelion is one of 10 major creative projects commissioned as part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, which is taking place across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in 2022. The UK’s most ambitious showcase of creative collaboration includes free large-scale events, installations and globally accessible digital experiences, and an extensive learning programme, which aims to reach millions of schoolchildren. Five other projects from the UNBOXED programme will present activities in Scotland, in addition to Dandelion.

UNBOXED’s Chief Creative Officer, Martin Green said: “UNBOXED celebrates creativity in its widest sense, placing it at the heart of people’s everyday lives, as Dandelion is doing across Scotland this summer. As a project, Dandelion is literally about sowing seeds for the future, which we hope will inspire local communities and the next generation. It’s part of a programme of five brilliant projects taking place in Scotland as part of UNBOXED this year, which combine art, science and tech, offering amazing events and experiences for everyone.”

To find out more about your local ‘edible garden’ visit: dandelion.scot

The full programme of events at each garden will be released in Spring.

Dandelion
April – September 2022
dandelion.scot


UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK

March 1 –  October 2, 2022
Unboxed2022.uk

Proposals to restrict fireworks to be examined by MSPs

Plans announced by the Scottish Government to restrict the public’s use of fireworks will be considered by the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee.

A call for views launches today to gather views on the proposals from the public and stakeholders. The results of this work will be used to inform MSPs on the Committee as they consider whether the proposals should be changed in any way, and ultimately passed into law.

Plans set out by the Scottish Government would affect the categories of fireworks commonly bought by the public for use at home. Usually to mark cultural events, celebrations and milestones, such as Bonfire Night, Diwali, birthdays, New Year and Chinese New Year.

The Government says that these changes should reduce misuse of fireworks, as well as help those adversely affected by them, such as pet owners, and those with additional needs.

Under the proposed measures:
• The dates fireworks can be sold in shops would be limited to those periods around major events (amounting to a total of 37 days a year);
• Dates the public could legally use fireworks would be similarly restricted;
• Anyone using these types of fireworks would need special training, and a fireworks licence
• Councils could create “control zones” where most types of fireworks would not be allowed (even on private land);
• The police would have new powers to search for and seize fireworks.

Speaking as the call for views launched, Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “We know that for many people and communities, fireworks are a dangerous nuisance – though we know some families enjoy them safely. 

“As a Committee, we will be examining whether the Scottish Government’s plans strike the right balance, and are likely to be effective in reducing misuse of fireworks.

“To help us with this, we want to listen to everyone with views on this issue. We have online surveys running until 11 March.”

The surveys, and more information about the Bill, can be found at: www.parliament.scot/fireworks-inquiry

Cultural Heritage at the Edge: Granton past and future

granton:hub and Edinburgh College of Art invite the local community to discuss what could happen with local spaces, places and landscapes.

UPDATED PROGRAMME to include the history hub heritage exhibition

Granton:hub is taking part in an exciting European funded research project on the evolving heritages of Edinburgh’s shifting coastline.

The overall aim of the study is to document and understand different relationships to the heritage of this fluctuating landscape, to identify opportunities not just for institutional or governmental intervention, but also for Granton’s community to take action, and to explain what is expected from future plans.

A group of ECA academics and their students are interested in engaging with the local community, to reflect on the following themes/questions:

  1. What is the wider geographical context of the Granton area?
  2. How has this site evolved over time, physically, socially, and economically?
  3. Who governs cultural heritage in Granton, and how?
  4. How have local groups and stakeholders developed a sense of the heritage value of Granton?

For this workshop, the researchers will present a summary of their findings through posters and other materials to invite discussion on the future of heritage in Granton.

To complement the CUTE exhibition, the history hub will curate a set of exhibition boards presenting the history of Granton Gasworks Station, the Madelvic Car Factory, Caroline Park House, Granton Harbour and many other heritage features in the local area.

After the event, ECA will produce a document outlining their findings, for presentation at Una Europe, hosted by Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne. Your input would therefore shape a collaborative generated dossier of information about Granton to be presented at European level.

If you have any questions then please contact artingranton@grantonhub.org

Farm Safety Foundation launches fifth annual campaign to tackle mental health issues in farming

92% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today, a recent study by the Farm Safety Foundation reveals.

·                        Mental wellbeing levels in the next generation of farmers have fallen over the past year, the study also finds.

·                        36% of farmers in the UK admit to being “possibly” or “probably” depressed according to another industry survey.

·                        44 suicides were registered in England and Wales in 2020 for those working in farming according to the Office of National Statistics.

·                        This week’s campaign from the Farm Safety Foundation will remind those living and working in the industry to Mind Your Head.

2020 and 2021 proved incredibly challenging for the UK’s farming industry. There were extreme weather conditions, poor harvests, supply chain shortages and a global pandemic to contend with but, through it all, farming endured as it always does.

Over the past two years, the UK’s farmers have been recognised as key workers. Their hard work puts food on our plates, produced to some of the highest standards in the world, and their careful stewardship knits together the environmental and social fabric of our iconic landscape.

The UK’s farmers are a remarkable breed; adaptable, resilient and incredibly hardworking but, the commitment of our farmers comes at a price.

In an industry that continues to have the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK, making sure we are all looking after our physical and mental wellbeing has never been more relevant. So, from 14th – 18th February 2022, leading farm safety charity, the Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) will launch their fifth annual Mind Your Head campaign to illustrate actions being taken to break down mental health barriers in farming.

A recent study by the Foundation revealed that mental health issues among farmers and agricultural workers are of growing concern and are having a direct impact on safety on farms. With 92% of farmers under the age of 40 suggesting poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today (an increase from 82% in 2018).

In an industry where 34 farm workers lost their lives in fatal farm incidents in 2020/2021, there were a total of 44 suicides registered in England and Wales by those working in the farming and agricultural industry in 2020 according to the Office of National Statistics.

Whether or not the number of suicides has increased as a result of the pandemic is a matter for experts and should not be speculated on.

According to Professor Louis Appleby, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manchester and Chair of the national advisory group on suicide prevention at the Department of Health and Social Care: “Figures like these are important in understanding the tragedy of suicide.

“They are not dry data, they are real lives lost, real families devastated. No figure, whether high or low, is acceptable. We need to beware of alarming claims and predictions without evidence – misleading and potentially harmful to those in the industry who are already struggling.”

Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation said: “As an industry, I think it is time we deal with the issue of poor mental health head on. We need to talk about our feelings and let everyone living and working in farming know that it’s completely ok to have feelings, good and bad, but it’s also important to let them out.

“Life isn’t always as it seems, we don’t post on social media about the days that we wished we didn’t get out of bed or the days we didn’t feel like it.

“Most people feel the pressure to keep up with everyone’s ‘perfect’ life. My father always advised me to never judge anyone unless you walked in their shoes, these are words that I live by, as it is important to know what is really going on behind the smile, or even their grumpy demeanour.

“Many living and working in rural communities are suffering and doing so in silence. As an industry, it’s time to ease the pressure, stop expecting people to be perfect and start talking openly about feelings with people you trust.”

Today is Valentine’s Day – a day when many show their affection by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love. This Valentine’s Day, the Farm Safety Foundation is reminding farmers that self-love is important too.

Stephanie added: “A day like Valentine’s Day which celebrates love and togetherness can often highlight how different, alone or low we feel so it is important to check in with yourself and others and reach out to those who may be feeling down, lonely or struggling.

“Whatever it is that you choose to do, just know that your mental health should never be ignored and you are not alone.”

The recent R.A.B.I Big Farming Survey revealed that 36% of the farming community in the UK are ‘probably’ or ‘possibly’ depressed and sadly, the stigma around mental health often prevents those who need help from seeking it.

So, for the next five days, key farming organisations from five countries will join forces to support the Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign and try to dispel the myths and tackle the stigma around poor mental health in the industry and highlight the wealth of support available to those living and working in farming.

BBC’s Strictly winner, actor Kelvin Fletcher, who last year bought a 120-acre farm in the Peak District is supporting the 2022 Mind Your Head campaign. 

As a new entrant to the industry, Kelvin appreciates the many challenges facing farmers at present and the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing at work. 

Kevin says: “I feel really privileged to have been welcomed so warmly by the farming community, who have supported me so much since I started my farm last year. Before joining farming, I had no idea the community was so heavily impacted by bad mental health.

“Campaigns like Mind Your Head are so important if we’re going to chip away at the stigma that surrounds mental illness in the industry. If one person reads about Mind Your Head and decides to reach out or to check in on a loved one, that’s a step in the right direction.

“Please, be that person and start the conversation. You never know how much it could mean to someone struggling silently.”

For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign or to learn more about how the Farm Safety Foundation is tackling the issue of poor mental health in the agricultural industry please visit  www.yellowwellies.org or follow them on social media – @yellowwelliesUK on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube using the hashtag #MindYourHead