Hope in the Fields: Farm Support Charity Marks World Suicide Prevention Month
Rural Support, the Farm Support Charity for NI stands alongside our farming community every day… through the long hours, the isolation, the financial pressures, and the emotional weight that often comes with working the land.
That is why they are proud to support World Suicide Prevention Month which takes place from the 10th September to 10th October 2025.
Suicide affects every corner of society, but farmers and rural workers face unique challenges that too often go unseen and unheard.
High stress, unpredictable incomes, and limited access to mental health support mean many suffer in silence. Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a community forever changed.
The phrase “one farmer each week in the UK dies by suicide” is a statistic used by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) to highlight the serious issue of mental health in the agricultural sector.
This alarming figure points to a significant underlying issue facing our farming community and that more needs to be done in agricultural industry to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and provide support within the farming industry.
“This month is a chance to break the silence, raise awareness, and let our farming community know that help is available and hope is real” said Kevin Doherty, Rural Support CEO. “Rural Support are here to listen, to walk alongside, and to make sure no one in farming has to face their darkest moments alone.
“Together, we can build a culture were talking about mental health is a sign of strength — not weakness — and where seeking support is always encouraged.”
Since 2021, the farm support charity has been providing crucial mental health counselling and emotional support to over 680 farming families who often face high levels of stress, isolation, and uncertainty.
Farming can be an incredibly demanding and lonely profession, with long hours, financial pressures, and the impact of unpredictable weather or market changes.
Rural Support offers a confidential and compassionate space for farmers and their families to talk openly about their struggles, helping to reduce stigma around mental health.
Through one-on-one counselling support, mental health resources, suite of therapeutical interventions and ongoing emotional support, the charity helps individuals build resilience, feel less alone, and take positive steps toward wellbeing and stability.
Rural Support deliver their counselling sessions in the comfort of the farmers own home, which is not only more accessible and less intimidating, but also allows for a more personalised and contextually aware support — which is essential for building trust, reducing barriers, and improving mental health outcomes within the farming community.
Those that are engaging with the charity’s counselling support, 85% of clients have reported a marked improvement in their overall wellbeing.
This means that person has undergone a major transformation in how they feel, function, and cope with life. It is a powerful indicator of recovery, growth, and positive adaptation.
Rural Support is taking another important step to strengthen help for people in our farming community by creating a new bespoke Suicide Prevention Officer role.
This dedicated officer will work closely with local families, community groups, and partner organisations to provide tailored support, raise awareness, and ensure that those who are struggling know they are not alone and can access the help they need through Rural Support.
This role shows Rural Support’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives and building hope in the agricultural business sector. The job specification will be available on the Rural Support website soon.
The charity’s counselling support is available to farmers, members of a farming family and agri sector employees. To avail of this support please contact the charity on their freephone confidential Support Line 0800 138 1676 or visit their website:
and click ‘Get Help’.
