NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Awards £75,000 to RSABI

Funding of £75,000 has been donated to RSABI by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, with a focus on supporting the mental health work of the charity.

RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry, and the funding will be used to support several of the charity’s initiatives, including Mental Health First Aid training.

This training, delivered by former Royal Marines at IED Training Solutions, is aimed at people working in the frontline with farmers in Scotland to help them know what to say and do when they suspect someone is struggling with their mental health.

During the past two years, since the launch of the initiative, more than 800 people have received the training in parts of the country ranging from Shetland and Orkney to Aberdeenshire, the west coast and down to the borders and south-west of Scotland. Those trained have ranged from agricultural consultants and advisors to quality assurance assessors, auctioneers and agronomists – all working regularly with farmers and crofters.

Chris McVey, RSABI’s Welfare Manager, said:

“We are extremely grateful to have received this funding which will allow us to continue to deliver our Mental Health First Aid training."

“Analysis of feedback from course attendees shows that eight out of 10 rated the training overall as outstanding which is hugely encouraging and reflects the professionalism and knowledge of the IED team delivering the training.”

Jim McLaren MBE, Chair of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, commented:

“The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust is pleased to be able to support the tireless work of RSABI and, in particular, the Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention work being undertaken which is much-needed and has the potential to bring significant long-term benefits to the farming community.”

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

Pictured: A recent Mental Health First Aid training day delivered by Ross Wilson on Uist