One in four people will experience a mental health problem in England each year. The importance of learning more about our mental health and how we can empower people around us to thrive is paramount, which is one of the reasons Agrifac UK recently sent two members of the team on the Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England two-day course; to recognise mental ill health and help colleagues find the support they need.  

Studies show that the Agricultural industry has some of the highest rates of mental ill health, contributed by many stress factors such as working long hours in isolation, financial uncertainty and a distorted work/life balance to name but a few. Combined with the recent shift in lifestyle habits brought on by the COVID pandemic, with many people altering their work/life habits, the number of cases of mental ill health has dramatically increased. To help flatten the curve, increase understanding and support people suffering with mental ill health, Agrifac introduce Stuart Blackbourn and Georgina Garner as the new Mental Health First Aiders within the company, helping to assist both employees and customers of whom they encounter.  

MHFA England courses do not teach people to be therapists or counsellors, nor how to diagnose mental health conditions or provide ongoing support. Instead, Stuart and Georgina’s role is to act as a point of contact and reassurance for a person who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. Both First Aiders hold very different positions within the Company, enabling them to offer varying support to the extensive team, based on their daily contact with different departments and colleagues alike. Workshop and mobile based Service Technician, Stuart works alongside the more remote members of the team within his role, whereas Marketing Manager Georgina who is predominantly office based, will serve as point of contact for all other members of the team whenever they should need support. 

It is thought that MHFA courses contribute to the following key areas, thus addressing barriers that create inequalities in:  

Commenting on how he believes the course will improve welfare of colleagues within the company, Stuart said: “Completing the MHFA course opened my eyes to what mental ill health can look like; it’s not a one-size fits all symptom or fix, and now I feel more confident in working together with my colleagues to help break the stigma of speaking about your own individual mental health struggles.”

Stuart continued: “Being conscious of how you speak to people as well as yourself when faced with these feelings is the first step in working your way through what needs to be done to recover, and having someone there to support you through it is so important. I’m proud to be a part of a company that recognises that their employee’s mental wellbeing is just as important as their physical wellbeing.”