Workshops on mental strength coming soon

GROUPS in Dumfries and Galloway can access a new Foundations of Mental Strength workshop programme set up by Farmstrong Scotland.

The the wellbeing charity’s initiative is backed by the Scottish Government’s Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund.

It will provide practical workshops that help farmers build their mental strength and resilience in an ever-changing industry.

There are six standalone workshops offered that can be delivered individually or combined into a full programme.

Participants explore how personal experience shapes their approach to farming and life; how to identify and act on their values; how to recognise and regulate difficult emotions; how to understand the relationship between thoughts and feelings; how to cultivate a growth mindset in the face of an industry that demands constant adaptation; and how to find meaning and direction beyond financial drivers.

The anticipated outcomes are practical as well as personal - improved mental resilience, sharper decision-making, a reduction in stress-related incidents, and stronger peer networks across the farming community.

It has been launched in direct response to findings from Farmstrong’s recent survey, carried out at the end of last year with 411 people The results were stark - more than one in three respondents reported low levels of wellbeing, with scores falling below the national average across all age groups.

Alix Ritchie, Farmstrong Scotland director said: “We are now actively inviting agricultural organisations, advisers, and industry stakeholders to consider integrating these valuable workshops into existing events, farm meetings, and discussion groups, recognising that wellbeing is most effectively embedded when it sits alongside everyday farming practice, not apart from it, and would encourage anyone interested to reach out to us.”

To find out more or to explore bringing a workshop to your organisation, email [email protected].