Story Highlight
– Sam Stables walked 142 miles to promote mental health awareness.
– He raised over £35,000 for young farmers’ mental health.
– Stables emphasizes farmers need support and appreciation.
– He experienced a personal mental health crisis at 30.
– Prince William donated £5,000 to support Stables’ charity.
Full Story
A farmer from Herefordshire has undertaken an extraordinary 142-mile walk to London to draw attention to mental health issues affecting those in rural communities. Sam Stables, aged 46, completed the challenging five-day trek, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, surpassing an impressive £35,000 in donations.
Throughout his journey, Mr Stables carried a rucksack adorned with words symbolising the pressures faced by farmers, including “weather,” “finances,” “exhaustion,” “loneliness,” and “regulations.” This imagery was deliberately chosen to convey the burdens that many in the agricultural sector often shoulder alone.
Having faced his own struggles, which included a suicide attempt in his thirties, Mr Stables uses his experience to encourage others grappling with mental health issues. He states, “The message is really to reach out to everybody and say there is hope if you feel you’re in the darkest place and can’t see a way out.” His determination to shed light on these challenges resonates strongly within the farming community, often marked by isolation and high stress.
Reflecting on his past, Mr Stables expressed gratitude for the support he received, adding, “I was very fortunate that somebody found me 14 years ago and I nearly wasn’t here. People pulled me through and got me into a place of happiness.” He believes in the power of opening up and talking about one’s difficulties, asserting that recovery from dire circumstances is attainable.
Mr Stables also emphasised the vital role farmers play in Britain, referring to them as the “backbone” of the country. He highlighted the concerning statistic that the average age of farmers in the UK is now around 60. “We need food for our nation,” he said, stressing the urgent need to support farming families to secure the future of food production in the UK. “What would the countryside look like without our farmers and farming families? It would be just sad.”
In light of the changing agricultural landscape and the increasing reliance on imported food, Mr Stables advocates for buying local and British-produced food. He encourages consumers to choose British products actively, stating, “It’s important to know for farmers that they’ve got people who support them and they need to feel appreciated in what they do.”
The hardships facing farmers were further underscored by Mr Stables when he described a typical work week for farmers, which totals around 70 hours for wages that often fall below minimum wage levels. He argues for fair treatment and recognition of their essential work, noting, “They want to be looked after in a fair way, that’s all, and they deserve it.”
As he completed his walk, Mr Stables reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the experience. He shared that the journey was not just a physical challenge but also an opportunity to connect with numerous individuals who rallied around him, offering support and encouragement during difficult moments. “I’ve met some amazing people; when I’ve been right at my lowest point, somebody’s just turned up and lifted my spirits,” he reflected.
A significant highlight of the walk was receiving a substantial £5,000 donation from Prince William, who serves as the patron of Mr Stables’ charity, We Are Farming Minds. The donation underlines the growing recognition of mental health challenges within the agricultural sector, an issue that the Prince evidently views as critically important.
For part of the walk, Mr Stables was joined by Jesse Norman, the local Member of Parliament, which further amplified the awareness raised throughout the trek. The walk itself was carried out in association with the Farm Safety Foundation alongside its Mind Your Head campaign, which seeks to tackle the stigmas surrounding mental health in agriculture.
Research conducted by the Farm Safety Foundation indicates that the mental well-being of farmers in the UK has recently reached its lowest levels in four years, highlighting the urgency of this issue. The toll of isolation, financial pressures, and the relentless demands of farm work contribute to a climate where mental health support is paramount.
For anyone struggling with similar issues, Mr Stables points to resources such as the Samaritans, who can be contacted via their 24-hour helpline or online services. By opening a dialogue on these often-overlooked issues, Mr Stables hopes to inspire greater compassion and understanding within both the farming community and the public at large.
His journey serves not only as a personal testament to resilience and recovery but also as a rallying cry for increased support for farmers across the nation. As he steps into a future filled with hope, Mr Stables remains committed to advocating for the welfare of farming families, ensuring that they receive the respect and support they rightly deserve.
Our Thoughts
The article highlights the ongoing mental health crisis among farmers, as exemplified by Sam Stables’ charity walk. While the article focuses on raising awareness rather than a specific incident, it underscores the critical need for improved mental health support and community connectivity within the agricultural sector.
To prevent mental health deterioration in farmers, it is essential to establish more robust support systems. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandates that employers ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, which can extend to mental health provisions. Employers should conduct regular risk assessments that include mental health factors and implement training programs to recognize and address psychological stressors.
Relevant regulations potentially breached by a lack of support could include the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which requires employers to assess risks and implement preventive measures.
To mitigate similar incidents, agricultural organizations should promote mental health initiatives actively and foster environments where farmers can share their experiences without stigma. Regular community engagement and support networks could provide the necessary structure to support vulnerable individuals, enhancing overall well-being within the farming community.
