Mind Your Head Week highlights urgent need for suicide prevention in farming

09/02/26 - News

Mind Your Head Week is shining a spotlight on the ongoing mental health crisis within the farming community, with new figures revealing that 47 people working in agriculture died by suicide in 2024.

The campaign, led by the Farm Safety Foundation under its Yellow Wellies banner, is this year placing a clear focus on suicide prevention across farming and rural communities.

Latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows the 47 deaths were registered in England and Wales last year - a stark reminder of the pressures still facing those working in agriculture. Alongside this, Farm Safety Foundation research indicates that mental wellbeing among UK farmers over the age of 40 has fallen to a four-year low.

While progress has been made in opening up conversations around mental health, campaign organisers say suicide prevention continues to lag behind. Long hours, physical demands, financial pressure and isolation remain key challenges, particularly for farming families and those working alone.

As part of Mind Your Head Week, the Farm Safety Foundation is calling for earlier intervention, better access to support and more open conversations, so that struggles are recognised before they reach crisis point. The campaign forms part of wider work through the Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network, aiming to deliver long-term, meaningful change for the farming community.

Mind Your Head Week encourages everyone in agriculture to check in on one another and to remember that support is available - and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING, REACH OUT TODAY.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

Samaritans

📞 116 123 (Free 24/7)

Papyrus HOPELINE247

📞 0800 068 4141 (Free 24/7)

NHS Emergency

📞 999 (Life-threatening emergencies)

FARMING SUPPORT

England

FCN – 📞 03000 111 999 (7am–11pm daily)

RABI – 📞 0800 188 4444 (Free 24/7)