I have a strong and active connection with my community
Farming families are often at the heart of their local communities in Wales, making practical and financial contributions and offering support wherever they can.
But staying connected with our local communities can also have a positive impact on our own well-being. Watching out for others, taking an active role in local groups (e.g the Community Council, village hall committees, or chapel), and supporting agricultural shows and local events can be incredibly rewarding. It fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens community ties, and keeps us connected with those around us.
I ‘look out’ for others in my local community who may be struggling
“At FCN Cymru, we encourage people to act as ‘lookouts’ in their local communities, keeping an eye out for early signs that someone might be struggling and starting a conversation.
It might be noticing that a neighbour has stopped attending a regular group or that a friend no longer joins you at the pub on a Friday evening. Paying attention to these changes is the first step in connecting someone with support. Simply asking, ‘I’ve noticed you haven’t been joining us at the pub recently—are you okay?’ could provide the opportunity for them to open up.
If you’re unsure how to recognize the signs or approach someone, organisations like the DPJ Foundation offer resources and training to help rural communities understand mental health and support those in need. Listening to someone may be all they need, or you could suggest contacting FCN Cymru, the DPJ Foundation, or another support service for further help.”
I volunteer
“Volunteering can benefit others and bring benefits to our own wellbeing.
It may be volunteering in your local community, or you may like to volunteer time with a charity.
It may be litter picking when you go walking, or you may like to undertake more formal training to volunteer on a helpline, mountain rescue, or a wildlife trust etc.”
I actively encourage and mentor new entrants/young people to farming
“Mentoring is a fantastic way to share life experience and support others in thriving within their farming careers, and it can be deeply rewarding for both mentor and mentee. Farmers with years of experience under their belt can pass on invaluable knowledge and wisdom to younger generations starting out. At the same time, those from the ‘digital’ generations can offer guidance on using computers, the internet, and smartphones, which have become essential tools in modern Welsh farming.
Mentoring can take place informally, such as over a cuppa at the local market, or through more formal arrangements, for which training and support are available.
To secure the future of farming in Wales, we need to inspire the younger generation by showcasing the many opportunities and rewards a career in farming—and its associated trades and professions—can offer. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can ensure that the industry remains vibrant, resilient, and sustainable for generations to come.”
I take steps to stay connected with others (eg clubs, groups)
“Feelings of loneliness and isolation can affect us all, whether we work alone on a small farm in rural Wales or spend our days in a tractor cab on a larger farm. Staying connected with others is vital for reducing isolation and maintaining our well-being.
Whether it’s through Young Farmers Clubs, local discussion groups, Eisteddfod committees, agricultural shows, or the village pub, these community spaces play an important role in bringing people together. Additionally, smartphones allow us to stay connected with friends and family via social media (when used positively), helping to maintain those vital connections.
Sometimes it takes effort to attend a social event, but doing so almost always has a positive impact on our mental health. Taking that step can make a meaningful difference to our well-being and sense of belonging, particularly in close-knit Welsh communities.”
I work to improve my local environment
Farmers in Wales are outstanding custodians of our countryside, where food production and nature conservation go hand in hand. The new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and other initiatives are providing valuable opportunities for farmers to enhance biodiversity on their farms. In many areas, Cluster Groups, often supported by organizations such as the Wildlife Trusts Cymru, are helping farmers collaborate to achieve greater environmental gains. These efforts not only benefit nature but also improve the local environment, positively impacting the mental well-being of farmers and the wider community across Wales.
