IVC Evidensia has teamed up with The DPJ Foundation on a new initiative to support those in the agricultural sector, which was launched prior to World Mental Health Day on Tuesday (October 10).

Farm vets now have access to Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture training through the Foundation and the first session took place in September. 

The objective of the training is to provide vets with the skills to spot the signs of mental health crises and equip them with the resources to signpost anyone in need to appropriate support, as well as understanding how to deliver difficult news to farming clients about their livestock while protecting their own mental health. 

The Foundation was set up in 2016 in memory of agricultural contractor Daniel Picton-Jones and aims to support those in farming, where it is common to spend long periods working alone. 

It works with many leading organisations in agriculture and by offering training to vets, who are often the most frequent visitors to farms, it hopes to bring greater awareness and help to those who need it.

Kay Helyar, Training Manager for The DPJ Foundation, said: “We are grateful to IVC Evidensia for asking us to deliver Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Training to veterinary practices across the UK.

“Vets play a vital role in supporting farmers’ mental health. Farming can be an isolated occupation and many farmers sadly feel that poor mental health is a sign of weakness. Typically, a farmer will see their vet far more frequently than their doctor and it is often a trusted relationship. 

“If vets can learn how to spot the signs that someone is struggling, how to talk to them about it, and where they can signpost to support, that small intervention could make a huge difference.” 

The team at Steffan Vets were some of the first to take part in the training. Jim Hopkins, Clinical Director and Vice Chair of the Farm Animal Clinical Board, commented: “The training provided the team and I with a great overview of the signs we can look out for in our clients as well as how we can protect our own mental health when dealing with the difficult decisions and tough situations that come with providing veterinary care to herds of animals. 

“Vets develop close relationships with their clients, and we often notice subtle changes in their mood. I am now well placed to offer reassurance and signpost specific help and support. I would highly recommend it to all of my colleagues within our farm network.”

Providing mental health support to farm vet colleagues and having the resources available to signpost support to agricultural communities is one of the core fundamentals of the newly launched Positive Hoofprint toolkits that support farm practices in becoming more sustainable.  

Beyond the new initiative with the DPJ Foundation, IVC Evidensia continues to build on the wellbeing support it offers to colleagues. There are now more than 500 people in the UK qualified as Mental Health First Aiders and a further 100 acting as Wellbeing Champions in practices and SOC teams. 

For more information on Farm Vets, head over to the website here.