Mental Health: Farming and Agricultural Communities

Sarah Dyke Excerpts

Monday 11th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Aphra Brandreth (Chester South and Eddisbury) (Con)]

I am grateful to have secured a debate on the vital and pertinent issue of mental health in farming and agricultural communities.

It is sadly no exaggeration to say that we have a mental health crisis in our rural and agricultural communities. In January 2021, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution launched a large research project called the big farming survey. The audience of the survey was 15,000 farmers, contractors and their households, and its aim was to achieve a better understanding of the health and wellbeing of the farming community in England and Wales. The report found that the farming community has lower than average mental wellbeing compared with the wider UK population. A point of concern is that over a third of those who completed the survey had significantly low mental wellbeing scores. Worryingly, a similar number said that they were probably or possibly depressed, according to NHS thresholds.

[Sarah Dyke (Glastonbury and Somerton) (LD)]

I thank the hon. Member for giving way and congratulate her on securing this important debate. The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution’s big farming survey also found that 52% of farmers experience regular pain and discomfort, while one in four has mobility problems. Does she agree that we must recognise that physical health has an impact on mental health, and ensure that the NHS, GPs and mental health services are joined up?

[Aphra Brandreth]

The hon. Member, who is an excellent champion for farmers in her community, makes an important point on physical health.