September 23rd 2021
Farming or working in the countryside is usually a good way of life but it is a demanding and stressful occupation. So, it’s not surprising that many people involved with agriculture can feel isolated, depressed or unable to cope as well as normal.
YANA, You Are Not Alone, works to drive awareness about mental health and support for those in need; focusing on people in rural businesses. Emily Haley, Charity Manager told us more about the charity and how it works.
Can you please give us a brief overview of what your charity does and who it supports?
YANA, You Are Not Alone, offers specific help for those involved with farming or other rural businesses in East Anglia and Worcestershire through:
Where are you based?
East Anglia and Worcestershire
How much have you been impacted by Covid-19?
Demand for our services has almost doubled. We have recruited extra counsellors and helpline volunteers to support this increased need. Through Covid people’s awareness of metal health has increased and as a result demand for places on the mental health first aid courses has also increased. Alongside this, interest in supporting our work, both practically and financially has increased which has enabled us to grow with the increased need for support and counselling.
What are you future hopes and aims for your charity?
In Cambridgeshire and Essex, we plan to extend the counselling and helpline services, start providing Mental Health First Aid courses, and raising awareness of the support available. We will be launching new campaigns and partnerships as we invest more into the work we do and impact we have.
We aim to reach all farms, farm workers and rural businesses in East Anglia and Worcestershire with our literature, to provide support, build awareness, and positively impact the mental health of our farming and rural communities.
Are there any opportunities for people to get directly involved with the charity?
Yes there are lots of ways people can get involved with YANA, it is the people that we work with that really make the difference we aim for:
Could you provide a quote/testimonial from an individual who has directly benefited from your work?
“I was feeling so low. I saw a YANA sticker on a farm vehicle. I made a call. I soon had just the help I needed to get me on a better path.”
“YANA helped me so much when I was overwhelmed. I – and my family – will always be grateful for the support and practical help YANA gave me.”
Describe the most memorable fund raising activity during a sponsor event?
The Naked Farmer charity cricket day at Brisley raised a ‘phenomenal’ £43,000 for YANA which helped a terminally-ill Norfolk farmer cope with his depression. Mr Joice sadly passed away a few months after the event, at which 300 people attended. It was organised by three English-Australian couples: Mr and Mrs Joice and their friends Chris and Lucy McKay, and Billy and Sara Fordham.
The cricket day was named in honour of the Australian Facebook page The Naked Farmer, where Mr Joice first revealed his story. It encourages farmers to post nude pictures of themselves and discuss their problems, on the basis that “it takes guts to get your gear off, as it takes guts to talk about mental health”.
At the time Mr Joice said “The fundraising in itself was unbelievable, but the day has beaten all expectations – and we’ve had a great game of cricket. When we started all this, the idea was to raise awareness of mental health in agriculture, raise some money for YANA and have some fun while doing so. I think we have done all those things.”
Since first telling his story, Mr Joice was inundated with calls, letters and emails from people who had been inspired to open up about their mental health.
“The one thing that has been common among all these messages and phone calls is that by putting my naked butt on the internet and talking about all the issues we have been going through, it has helped others to start to talk about the issues they are going through – and communication really helps.”
“So even if it is not ringing YANA for support, just talking with your family and friends is important, keep that family close. They all said the same thing. It helps.”
YANA patron Melinda Raker said, as well as raising vital funds for the charity, Mr Joice’s courage and honesty about telling his story elevated the level of awareness and conversation about mental health within the Norfolk farming community. “Patrick was unusual because he was male, in farming, and he talked about mental health,” she said “12 years ago before YANA was set up, I think that would have been unheard of in Norfolk.”
How can people find out more about your work?
Visit our website www.yanahelp.org
Email admin@yanahelp.org
Follow YANA on Social Media:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yanahelp.org
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yanahelp1/
Twitter https://twitter.com/yanafarming
Youtube YANA Rural Mental Health Support
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