Latest news with #RSABI
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- General
- Press and Journal
New project to help drive down Scottish farming and crofting suicides
A major new research project aims to get a better understanding of some of the mental health issues typically faced by farmers and crofters and, ultimately, save lives. Stress, isolation, and poor access to healthcare – these are all too common realities of life in Scottish farming communities. Because of this, farmers are at higher risk of mental illness and suicide. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics and Public Health Scotland are alarming. In 2021 the UK suicide rate for male farm workers was about three times the male national average. Every week, three people in the agricultural sector die by suicide. RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture has now teamed up with Glasgow University for a new initiative aimed at tackling the problem. The three-year project will be supervised by Professor Rory O'Connor, director of the university's Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab. He is one of the world's leading experts in suicide prevention. RSABI and the university want to hear from prospective PhD researchers who are keen to undertake 'this vital work'. Their study will combine academic rigour with 'real-world impact', addressing challenges faced by people working in Scottish agriculture. The research will start with a major review of existing literature to explore links between agricultural life and suicide risk. In its second year, the project will conduct a national survey examining psychological and social factors affecting mental health in the farming community. The final phase will involve in-depth interviews with people from agricultural backgrounds who have experienced suicidal thoughts or been bereaved by suicide. RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren said: 'Tragically, suicide continues to be responsible for the loss of too many lives in the agricultural community. 'This research will play a vital role in deepening our understanding of the factors behind suicide in farming and help shape the most effective prevention strategies.' Tragically, suicide continues to be responsible for the loss of too many lives in the agricultural community.' Carol McLaren, CEO, RSABI Prof O'Connor, a former president of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, said: 'For far too long, suicide risk in agricultural communities has not received the attention that it so badly needs. 'Over the next three years, we hope to gain a better understanding of the specific factors associated with suicide risk, which will, in turn, inform suicide prevention efforts nationally and internationally.' The findings of the study will directly inform RSABI's suicide prevention activities and wider mental health support work. This will, in turn allow the charity to deliver more tailored services, campaigns and tools to support those at risk or affected by suicide. Applications are now being accepted from people with a strong academic background in psychology, mental health or related disciplines. Past experience of mental health-related research and/or practice as well as agricultural experience is especially welcome. Those interested in applying or finding out more about the project can get all the details they need via The launch of this study follows RSABI's recent appointment of Josie Barclay in the charity's newly created role of suicide prevention lead. In addition to overseeing the research project, the aim of Josie's role is to maximise the opportunity for partnership working and collaboration with specialist organisations involved in suicide prevention. RSABI's 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 at If you are having thoughts of suicide,speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines: If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
The National
3 days ago
- General
- The National
This new study hopes to tackle suicide in Scottish farming
The PhD research project, aimed at understanding and preventing suicide within Scotland's farming and crofting communities, will be run for three years with the University of Glasgow. Professor Rory O'Connor, director of the university's suicidal behaviour research lab who is to supervise the project, is inviting interest from prospective PhD researchers to apply and be part of the team. The study will look to address the distinct challenges faced by people working in agriculture, a sector where stress, isolation, and poor access to healthcare contribute to significantly higher risks of mental ill-health and suicide. READ MORE: 200 fans cram into Scottish trad pub for surprise Tide Lines set The findings of the study will directly inform RSABI's suicide prevention activities and wider mental health support work, helping to deliver more tailored services, targeted campaigns, and innovative tools to support those at risk and those affected. The final phase of the study will involve in-depth interviews with individuals from agricultural backgrounds who have experienced suicidal thoughts or who have been bereaved by suicide. Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, said: 'Tragically, suicide continues to be responsible for the loss of too many lives in the agricultural community. This research will play a vital role in deepening our understanding of the factors behind suicide in farming and help shape the most effective prevention strategies.' Professor O'Connor said: 'We are delighted to be partnering with RSABI on this important project. For far too long, suicide risk in agricultural communities has not received the attention that it so badly needs. "Over the next three years, we hope to gain a better understanding of the specific factors associated with suicide risk, which will, in turn, inform suicide prevention efforts nationally and internationally.' If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian siblings set to take on challenge for charity 'close to their hearts'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A pair of West Lothian siblings are preparing to take on the Edinburgh Marathon wearing wellies to raise money for a charity close to their hearts. Kate Hall, 24, and her brother Will, 21, who live on a farm near East Calder are looking to complete the 26 miles-plus run in the capital, reports The Daily Record. Taking place on Sunday, May 25, the pair are hoping to raise funds for RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Kate said: 'We enjoy running a bit but nothing serious. It's not something new to us but not something we're used to either. We normally go out running for a couple of hours at a time. 'I did run a marathon two years ago out in New Zealand when I was working on a sheep station. 'We've done a bit of running with the wellies on, Will's done a few park runs in his wellies but we've been training in trainers and not wellies. 'We've been gifted two pair of wellies from Hunter. They go right up to your knees so they will be quite warm if it's a hot day. 'We're not racing or anything like that, we just want to get to the finishing line and get it done. 'Our biggest fear is that it's going to be hot on the day. If the weather's hot we may have to be making some alterations to the wellies to let the air flow in. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. 'We're hoping it's a cold Scottish day with a bit of rain. I've managed to get a hold of other people who have done marathons in wellies before and get some advice from them. They've said make sure we get good comfy wellies and have lots of Vaseline and things.' The two charities are well-known to those who work in the farming industry. RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry, while Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) is a small independent charity that works closely with young farmers and a range of farming organisations to help raise awareness of farm safety. 'We live on a small farm near Kirknewton,' said Kate. 'These are fantastic charities that support a lot of people in Scottish and UK agriculture. The general public might not be too well aware of them but they do absolutely fantastic work in rural communities, who will be familiar with them.' Kate and Will have already brought in over £1000 through an online fundraising page. You can find out more here -
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Siblings from West Lothian farm prepare to give it some welly with a marathon run in the capital
Rain or shine, a sister and brother from West Lothian will be prepared for the weather when they take on the Edinburgh Marathon wearing wellies. Kate Hall, 24, and her brother Will, 21, who live on a farm near East Calder are looking to complete the 26 miles-plus run in the capital wearing yellow wellington boots to raise money for two charities that are close to their hearts. While most of the residents in West Lothian will be hoping for a continuation of the warm weather we've had in recent weeks, Kate and Will won't be too downhearted if there's a spot of rain as they take on the big run next Sunday, May 25. The siblings will be running the marathon to help both RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). Kate said: 'We enjoy running a bit but nothing serious. It's not something new to us but not something we're used to either. We normally go out running for a couple of hours at a time. 'I did run a marathon two years ago out in New Zealand when I was working on a sheep station. 'We've done a bit of running with the wellies on, Will's done a few park runs in his wellies but we've been training in trainers and not wellies. 'We've been gifted two pair of wellies from Hunter. They go right up to your knees so they will be quite warm if it's a hot day. 'We're not racing or anything like that, we just want to get to the finishing line and get it done. 'Our biggest fear is that it's going to be hot on the day. If the weather's hot we may have to be making some alterations to the wellies to let the air flow in. 'We're hoping it's a cold Scottish day with a bit of rain. I've managed to get a hold of other people who have done marathons in wellies before and get some advice from them. They've said make sure we get good comfy wellies and have lots of Vaseline and things.' The two charities that Kate and Will have chosen to help are well-known to those who work in the farming industry. RSABI provides practical, emotional and financial support to all people involved in the Scottish agricultural industry, while Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) is a small independent charity that works closely with young farmers and a range of farming organisations to help raise awareness of farm safety. 'We live on a small farm near Kirknewton,' said Kate. 'These are fantastic charities that support a lot of people in Scottish and UK agriculture. The general public might not be too well aware of them but they do absolutely fantastic work in rural communities, who will be familiar with them.' Kate and Will have already brought in over £1000 through an online fundraising page.
Press and Journal
30-04-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
Moray mental health worker to help stop farming suicides
A Scottish farmer's legacy is meeting the cost of employing a full-time suicide prevention worker at agricultural charity RSABI. Josie Barclay, who hails from a farming family in Moray, is RSABI's new recruit. She is the organisation's first suicide prevention lead. And her appointment coincides with a new national suicide prevention campaign. RSABI said her 'pivotal' role was made possible by funding from the Alistair and Margaret Miller Charitable Trust. Alistair died in 2021, aged 84, after long career in farming and food production. He and his wife, Margaret, ran a farm in East Lothian. Following a Nuffield Farming scholarship, in 1974, Alistair launched a successful frozen vegetable business in the Scottish Borders. The charitable trust in his and his wife's name was set up in 2017. Categories of support include science and technology, environmental protection and animal welfare. Josie, of Buckie, has specialist experience in mental health social work. Before joining RSABI, she spent two years specialising as a senior practitioner in the field. She has a degree in social work and postgraduate mental health officer certificate, both from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Her new role is focused on maximising opportunities for collaboration between organisations involved in suicide prevention. She will also oversee a major new research project in the coming years. Josie's role aligns with the Scottish Government's Creating Hope Together strategy. She is leading RSABI's suicide prevention strategy at a time when many people in rural and agricultural communities are facing rising pressures. These can range from financial strain to loneliness. As well as working long hours, the isolation of modern farming and lack of social contact, along with the impact of increased costs and uncertainty about the future, are factors which can have a major impact on the mental wellbeing of people in agriculture. RSABI is supporting the new suicide prevention initiative, which asks: 'What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?' Led by Suicide Prevention Scotland, the campaign is aimed at normalising discussions on the sensitive topic and hopefully – through conversation – save lives. A new website with information, resources and a services directory has gone live at There is so much potential to continue to reduce stigma about mental health.' RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren said: 'We are looking forward to the opportunity to work more closely with organisations involved in mental health, as well as connecting with individuals involved in farming and crofting who are keen to share their own mental health journeys to help others. 'There is so much potential to continue to reduce stigma about mental health and Josie's appointment, along with a major piece of research we will be starting shortly, will allow us to raise more awareness of suicide prevention in the farming community. 'Coupled with mental health and suicide prevention training, the aim is to empower people to know that everyone in Scotland's farming community can play a part in keeping people safe and helping to prevent suicide.' If you are having thoughts of suicide, reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines: If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
