Getting farmers to open up about their mental health and wellbeing is at the heart of a Great Eccleston-based organisation.
Agriminds is run by Lisa Richardson and seeks to help farmers talk about their health concerns, with the ultimate aim of pointing them towards established rural charities such as the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and Farming Community Network (FCN) for support.
Having grown up on a family farm in Catforth, Lisa, who works as a sports massage therapist, set up Agriminds in 2022 and is passionate about helping the farming community. She also knows that farmers are often reluctant to open up about their problems.
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She said: “I’ve always had an interest in farmers’ mental health as I’ve seen first hand the impact it can have.
“RABI and FCN are fantastic but there are often barriers which prevent farmers, for whatever reason, from reaching out for help. Often they don’t know who they are speaking to, or can’t face the paperwork, or just don’t want to admit that they need help.
“I am basically a go between that can refer the farmer to the bigger charities and I help them with the process.”
This year’s Longridge tractor run, which took part during Longridge Does Christmas, raised money for Agriminds and Lisa says these funds allow her to focus more of her time on the mental health referral service, without worrying about the impact it might have on her sports massage business.
Agriminds is part of Lisa’s community interest company, Footle CIC, and she believes that current government policies towards farmers, such as Inheritance Tax (IHT) reform, were exacerbating existing issues relating to on-farm succession and handing the business on to the next generation, which is one agriculture’s thorniest issues.
She added: “Some farmers really believe that they need to die before April 2026, when IHT reforms are due to come in, to pass the farm on without a tax burden. But I tell them we will find a way through. Do not think it is the end of the world.
“It’s easier for me to say something and for them to know that I respect them and will keep it confidential. I find it a privilege for them to open up, especially if I’m dealing with them from a perspective of sports massage therapy. I will always seek to help them.”
To find out more about what Lisa and Agriminds do, you can visit her website by clicking here: Footle Uk CIC.
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