Lincolnshire farmers at risk of isolation told it's 'not a weakness' to say they are struggling

• Emma Wilkinson reports on a 'Farm to Talk' event featuring the father of Alec Newlove, who was just 24 when he took his own in March

The father of a young farmer who took his own life told a crowd in Lincolnshire how important it is that people talk about mental health.

David Newlove was speaking at a new event called 'Farm to Talk' - a country fair which also aimed to raise awareness of support organisations.

Mr Newlove said: "My son, 28 weeks ago, decided to take himself off without any fuss, without any warning, without any notification and end his life. Nobody saw any signs, any warnings. I wish Alec had called me or any of his friends.

"It's not a weakness to talk, it's a strength. It's good to talk, it's good to ask someone how they are doing, and then ask them again. And to say 'I'm struggling' is ok."

Mr Newlove described Alec as popular and compassionate and said he hoped that by talking about life and the impact of his death, it would encourage others in the farming community not to be afraid to reach out for support.

According to Yellow Wellies, a farmers' mental health charity, 95% of agricultural workers under the age of 40 believe mental health is the biggest hidden danger in the industry.

Alec’s friends and fellow members of the Louth Young Farmers Club have vowed to keep talking in his memory.

Hundreds of people attended the first 'Farm to Talk' event at Donna Nook - the country fair was organised to bring the farming community together and to raise awareness of the range of support available.

Organiser Libby Arundel said:

"There are always battles in farming so we thought if we have this day, especially after harvest time, and get everyone together, have some fun, get chatting, get talking. And then not to mention all the mental health stands that are here. If we can get just one person to reach out today, then we've done a good job,"

Peter Cornish from The Lincolnshire Rural Support Network said the organisation has seen a 96% rise in helpline calls over the past two years. He said the nature of modern farming means people often feel alone:

"The advent of tractors with technology and less and less people involved agriculture means people are spending a lot of time on their own with no one to talk to. Bearing in mind we've had also had a very wet year which has made things a lot worse.

"We are always here and I'd urge anyone who is struggling to reach out, we can help."

Mr Newlove said the loss of his son had impacted hundreds of people and he hoped that by speaking at the 'Farm to Talk' event, it would help prevent others going through similar pain:

"It won't take away what I miss, and what I'll miss for the rest of my life. I'm a methodist minister and I believe we'll be together again. But until then, I need to channel that energy into something good and if we can do something to help other people, then it's not for naught."

For help and information contact the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network

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