PM awards Hereford farmers for mental health charity A couple from Hereford who have established a charity to help break down
the stigma associated with mental health in the agricultural community have today, 16 May, received Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s daily Points
of Light award.

Sam Stables’s ambition had always been to become a farmer, but he struggled with the isolation that often comes with the job. Poor mental
health is estimated to be 46% higher in farming than in other occupations, with the suicide rate being one of the highest in any industry.

Sam found that talking helped his recovery and felt that if there had been somebody to speak to about his worries, he may have been able to
seek help before reaching a crisis point.  So, in September 2020, Sam and his wife Emily set up ‘We Are Farming Minds’ to help others
experiencing  similar situations.  The charity runs a befriending service and a dedicated 24-hour helpline which is staffed by trained
volunteers, and provides funding for farmers to access professional counselling services.
Currently focused in Herefordshire, the couple also work closely with other rural support groups in the rest of the UK to help ensure the
farming community are getting the support they need. They also run a range of free social events throughout the year which include an over
50’s monthly meet, a support group for women in farming and family social events, all of which help break the isolation that can often be
felt in farming.
The award for Sam and Emily comes during ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’, part of a campaign to increase people's awareness and
understanding of mental health issues and to provide helpful information and resources.

Mark Spencer MP, Farming Minister, said:

“Farming is all about providing for others, but it is crucial to remember that there is no shame in seeking help for yourself.

“I want to commend the invaluable work being done by Sam and Emily with ‘We Are Farming Minds’ to break the stigma of mental health and
loneliness in our agricultural communities.”

The Rt Hon Jesse Norman, Sam and Emily’s local MP, said:"This is a fantastic initiative. ‘We are Farming Minds’ is one of the nation’s first farmer specific 24-hour helplines, and is already
helping farmers all across the UK who are struggling with the mental health challenges that come with the demanding nature of their work and
lives.
“I wish Sam and Emily the very best of luck, and wholeheartedly congratulate them on becoming the 2039th and 2040th Points of Light."

Sam and Emily said:
“We feel very honoured to be receiving the Points of Light award. It's amazing to be recognised for the hard work our charity does to support
farmers and their mental health within the Herefordshire community. We hope that winning this award will help to raise the profile of the
charity and encourage more people struggling to come forward and ask for help.”
Sam is the 2039th and Emily the 2040th recipient of the Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding
individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected by the Prime Minister to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Website: www.pointsoflight.gov.uk