Members of The Hawkstone Farmers Choir have completed RABI’s one-day mental health training course, building their confidence and practical skills to support conversations around mental wellbeing within farming communities.
Choir members gathered at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester for the training, which explored how to recognise when someone may be struggling, respond appropriately, signpost them towards further support and look after their own wellbeing.
Choir members gathered at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester for the training, which explored how to recognise when someone may be struggling, respond appropriately, signpost them towards further support and look after their own wellbeing.
The choir chose to undertake the training as conversations around mental health have become an increasingly important part of its journey and growing public profile following its appearance on Britain’s Got Talent.
Ruby Gwilliam, Social Media Manager for The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, said:
“RABI was one of the organisations our members felt strongly about supporting from the beginning of our Britain’s Got Talent journey.
“As more people engage with us around these subjects, we want to make sure our members can have those conversations responsibly and confidently signpost people towards the organisations best equipped to support them.”
During the session, members explored some of the particular pressures experienced within farming communities, including isolation and the tendency to carry on through difficult periods without necessarily talking about how they are feeling.
The training is designed to give participants practical skills to recognise signs that someone may be struggling, start supportive conversations and understand when and where to signpost someone for additional help. It also focuses on personal wellbeing and recognising the boundaries of the support individuals can provide.
Suzie Calderbank, Business Development Coordinator at RABI, said:
“At RABI, supporting farming people through a range of challenges, including mental health and financial pressures, is at the heart of what we do.
“Our mental health training is designed to build practical skills and confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling, respond appropriately and help them find the right support.”
Choir members said the session had helped them feel better equipped to support friends, family and people within their communities, while increasing their awareness of the support available to farming people.
