The second of our Agri-Turf Talks panel episode of 2023 focusses on mental health and well-being challenges facing the agricultural and turfcare industries. Our panel is:

ALEX PHILLIMORE Head of Communications and Development with The Farming CommunityNetwork (FCN), a charity supporting farmers and farming families which helps approx. 6000 people each year with a number of issues, including mental challenges. FCN runs a confidential helpline (03000 111 999) open 7am-11pm 365 of the year.

TOM JOHNSTON Tom was a guest on Inside Agri-Turf in May 2021 when he described how he experienced depression and a series of mental health issues as he took his first steps into agricultural engineering. He decided to return to college and connected with the turfcare industry and started his own turf machinery repair business serving customers across Fife and central Scotland

STEVE DUDLEY-BROWN. Steve has been in greenkeeping since he was 16, working in the UK and abroad and was a golf course manager for over 13 years. Today he works for the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and is currently leading a campaign aimed at training 100 mental health first aiders to support greenkeepers and other staff through any difficulties they may be experiencing.

LINKS

The Farm Community Network (FCN) Tel: Helpline 03000 111 999 (7.00am - 11.pm)

British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (Launch of First Aiders)

Johnston Turf Machinery

Podcast with Tom Johnston May 2021

Farm Safety Foundation - Yellow Wellies

Samaritans Tel: 116 123