Farm Safety Foundation Launches Fifth Annual Campaign To Tackle Mental Health Issues In Farming

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 2 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 14 February to 18 February 2022, leading farm safety charity, the Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) will launch their 5th 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."

On Valentine's Da; a day when many show their affection by sending cards, flowers or chocolates with messages of love, the Farm Safety Foundation used the day to try to remind 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 four 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. He 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 1, 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:- YellowWellies.Org or follow them on social media:- @yellowwelliesUK on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube using the hashtag:- #MindYourHead.
 

New national cervical screening campaign launches - as nearly 1 in 3 don't take up screening offer

THE Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), with the support of the NHS, has launched a major new national campaign to increase the number of those eligible attending their cervical screening in England. The new Help Us Help You - Cervical Screening Saves Lives campaign urges women and those who may be eligible not to ignore their cervical screening invite, and if they missed their last 1, to book an appointment with their GP practice or sexual health clinic now.

Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:- "It's so important that you attend your cervical screening appointment when you are invited as it could be lifesaving. If you're feeling embarrassed or worried about the screening in any way then healthcare professionals are there to support you. Whether this includes booking a longer appointment to give you more time or taking someone you trust in with you, there are lots of ways we can help you feel more comfortable."

Latest figures from March 2021 show that 30% of eligible individuals; women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64; were not screened.

Around 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in England each year and approximately 690 women die from the disease, that is around 2 deaths every day. Previous estimates suggest screening prevents 70% of cervical cancer deaths, but 83% of deaths could be prevented if everyone attended regularly.

Karen Hobbs, Ask Eve Information Service Co-Ordinator, The Eve Appeal said:- "The Eve Appeal wholeheartedly supports DHSC's latest campaign to increase the uptake in cervical screening appointments. The successful NHS cervical screening programme, saves thousands of lives every year. However, a significant percentage of people invited for a screening test are not attending this potentially life saving appointment. Not everyone who doesn't attend their cervical screening will have the same reasons, and this campaign is an important step in addressing the barriers that certain people face. Communication about the importance of cervical screening needs to reach everyone and address the common misconceptions and fears around cervical screening that contribute to the rates of non-attendance."

As part of the campaign, a new survey of 3,000 women and people with a cervix commissioned by DHSC has reveals a number of concerns which prevent cervical screening. Embarrassment was the most common reason for never having attended or missing an appointment (stated by 42% of respondents), followed by those who:- "kept putting it off" (34%) and:- "being worried it would be painful" (28%). 15% of lesbian or bisexual women over 25 had never had a smear test, compared to 7% of women over 25 in general.

To tackle these barriers and help drive uptake, a new film has been released featuring Loose Women panellist Linda Robson, TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, broadcaster Louise Minchin, Drag Queen Victoria Scone and female rights activist Sharon Gaffka, alongside GP and media medic, Dr Zoe Williams. Through life saving conversations, they tackle the barriers to attending cervical screening and encourage those eligible to book their appointment when invited.

Maria Caulfield, Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care, said:- "Around two women die every day from cervical cancer, but screening takes just a few minutes and can stop the disease before it starts. Through our new campaign we're calling on all women and people with a cervix to get screened to help save hundreds of lives. Even if you're feeling embarrassed or nervous, please don't ignore your invitation."

The full findings from the new survey reveal:-

► When asked about what their experience was like at their most recent test, 63% said they were nervous and 43% said they were embarrassed.

► The majority of women and people with a cervix (81%) said the Nurse or Doctor put them at ease during a cervical screening.

► Positively, 58% were surprised about how quick the test was, and 89% would encourage others who are worried to go for a test

► Around 12% don't feel comfortable discussing a cervical screening with anyone, but 48% would talk to their friend or their partner (46%) and 39% would talk to their mother.

► The majority (89%) said they were glad they attended a cervical screening.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England, said:- "There is no doubt about it - cervical screening saves lives. By screening for risk signs at an early stage, it means that any abnormal cells can be treated quickly before they potentially develop into cancer. We know that it can feel embarrassing or feel like something that you can easily put off, but accepting your invite and getting checked could save your life. And please do speak to your GP practice about any concerns you might have; we are here to help you."

In England, NHS cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix between the ages of 24.5 and 49 every three years. For those between the ages of 50 and 64, screening is offered every 5 years.

The campaign will emphasise that screening, which only takes a few minutes, can help stop cervical cancer before it starts, and is being supported by charities, including Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust. Cervical screening checks for high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common virus that most people will get at some point. While for people with high-risk HPV the risk of getting cancer is low, any abnormal changes can be identified early. Cell changes are easily treated, and this prevents cervical cancer. That is why attending screening appointments is so important.

Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust said:- "This campaign is coming at a much needed time and will hopefully be a reminder to many to book in an overdue test, as well as highlighting the support available for those who find it harder to attend. Cervical screening is an incredibly important test that can stop cervical cancer from ever developing, and will help us get towards making cervical cancer a thing of the past."

Running throughout England until 14 March 2022. The campaign will include:- TV advertising, video on demand and social media, partnerships, together with national and Regional PR activity. It also includes activity targeted to ethnic minority (Black and South Asian) and LGBTQ+ communities, as data shows these groups can experience specific barriers to taking up screening.

GP Dr Zoe Williams, who features in the campaign, said:- "The symptoms of cervical cancer are not always obvious, and there may not be any symptoms at all until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. That's why it's important that you attend all your cervical screening appointments. If you are feeling nervous or embarrassed, then I cannot encourage you enough to talk to your Nurse during the test and remember you are in control and can stop the test whenever you want to. If you're worried about feeling exposed, I would suggest wearing a skirt, dress or long jumper when you go for your screening. Screening can stop cancer before it starts and saves thousands of lives every year. If you missed your last cervical screening, book an appointment with your GP practice or sexual health clinic now."

On being asked about her own experiances, Scarlett Moffatt responded:- "A few years ago, my cervical screening may have saved my life. The screening detected HPV and abnormal cells linked to the development of cervical cancer, and I underwent treatment to have the cells removed. If I hadn't been to that appointment, I don't know what situation I would have been in now. That's why I'm so passionate about and proud to be supporting the new Cervical Screening campaign from the Department for Health and Social Care. To understand more about the role of screening and discuss why people may be reluctant to attend their appointment, I had an informative conversation with Dr. Zoe Williams. I cannot urge people enough to talk to their Doctor or Nurse about cervical screening if they're feeling embarrassed or nervous. Please attend your appointment when you are invited; it's a few minutes that could save your life."

Sharon Gaffka, female rights activist, 25, said:- "You're always a bit worried because you hear misconceptions from other people about cervical screening so you can think it's going to be really embarrassing or you wonder if it's going to hurt. Being part of these life saving conversations can really help put your mind at ease, and I find being open with my friends and family, just talking about the topic, can make a huge difference."

Victoria Scone, RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestant and TV Personality, commented:- "Initially I was uncertain as to whether a cervical screening was imperative for me as a queer woman. However, this new campaign has clarified that all women and people with a cervix, including those in the LGBTQ+ community like myself are eligible for a screening, so I booked myself in. I think it's so important to openly talk about cervical screenings and encourage each other to attend theirs."

Louise Minchin, broadcaster and journalist, 53, who usually feels nervous when she attends her cervical screening, told us:- "Next time I get invited to my screening, I'm going to remember that it's going to be ok and over in a few minutes. From my discussion with Dr Zoe Williams, there are many barriers which deter some women and people with a cervix from taking up the offer of a screening; from the worry it might hurt or embarrassment. I want to help break down these barriers and empower women to be confident to go to their cervical screening, and ask their Doctor or Nurse any questions on their mind."

TV Personality and Loose Women Panellist, Linda Robson, 63, added:- "I think it's so important to talk about cervical screening; I talk to my daughters about it regularly, and always encourage them to book if they are due. I want to do the same for everyone, as it's a test that can save your life. Don't put off your cervical screenings and if you have any worries, don't sit there in silence, please talk to your friends or family! The screening itself is so quick, and Doctors and Nurses can talk to you about the process and what it entails."