Members of Orkney’s agricultural community are invited to take part in a pioneering mental health initiative being delivered next month, by RSABI, in partnership with former Royal Marines.
The RSABI Mental Health First Aid Awareness Training takes place from 09.30-13.30 on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th February at The Albert Hotel, Kirkwall. It is free to attend and lunch will be provided. Those interested in attending either session, should visit rsabi.org.uk for more information and registration.
The ground-breaking Mental Health First Aid training is aimed at encouraging people to talk more freely about mental health, reducing stigma and improving understanding about what to look out for and how to respond when someone may be struggling.
The Orkney training on February 6 and 7 is being delivered in a new partnership between RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, and IED Training Solutions Ltd, an award-winning consultancy founded by former Royal Marines.
Taking place at The Albert Hotel in Kirkwall, the initiative offers the opportunity for participants to gain certification in the SCQF Level 4 Award for First Aid for Mental Health Awareness. The free training will be aimed at organisations and individuals who work regularly in the front line with farmers or crofters, including those involved in assessments or inspections, consultants and advisers.
The aim is to provide individuals with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions and know how to provide practical support for a person presenting with a mental health condition. The training will help participants to develop the skills to start a conversation and to be able to direct people to appropriate professional help. The skills learned will also help those who take part understand more about their own mental health.
Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said the innovative training could make a significant difference in the Scottish agricultural community: “There are many synergies between the Royal Marines and farming – from working in all weathers and challenging terrain to antisocial hours, time away from family and public scrutiny.
“This initiative comes at a time when there are some really encouraging green shoots of change as farmers and others working in agriculture become more open about talking about mental health and the steps needed to maintain and improve it and we are delighted to be able to bring our first training session of 2023 to Orkney.”
IED Training Solutions was set up in 2015 by former Royal Marine Ian Clark who said he and his team are excited to be working in collaboration with RSABI to deliver this important training initiative.
The company has extensive experience of delivering successful tailored Health & Wellbeing workshops to the rural sector.
“We have a great deal of respect and admiration for the work of the farming community to both provide food and look after the land,” said Mr Clark.
“During recent times some great work has been done in the Royal Marines to encourage a really positive approach to achieving good mental health and we are very much looking forward to sharing that experience with the farming community. I think this training, and the cascade effect of the benefit, could be a major step forward for the industry.”
Major Hugh Jones, a former Royal Marine with 35 years’ service, is leading on the delivery of the courses. He said:
“It’s very important for farmers to recognise when they are starting to feel stressed and that they know about coping strategies such as taking a break, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. These steps can have an immensely positive effect on an individual.”
During the training Major Jones also explains the signs to look out for when visiting farmers or crofters, saying that subtle changes could be an indication something is wrong: “Don’t hesitate to ask them how they are. Say if they don’t seem themselves and you are worried and above all be kind – you wouldn’t believe how much impact that can have.”
RSABI provides emotional support, including a free counselling service, as well as practical and financial support. The free, confidential support service is available 24/7 by calling 0808 1234 555 or using the webchat service on the RSABI website.
This initiative builds on the charity’s #keeptalking campaign to encourage people to look out for each other during the winter months and a new Thrive mental health app which is being piloted with young farmers clubs.
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