Farm At Hand has launched a t-shirt fundraising campaign to raise awareness of the importance of mental health on the farm. Using the hashtag #HereForFarmers on social media, Farm At Hand’s team wants to raise the profile of this very real, and often silent, struggle of farmers dealing with poor mental health and extreme stress. A portion of the sale of each t-shirt will go to the Farm Stress Line.
Farming is high-stress and physically demanding occupation that is also mentally and emotionally taxing. In North America, the farmer suicide rate is almost twice that of the general population. It is estimated that one farmer commits a suicide every week in the United Kingdom; while in France it’s one every two days.
This is a global issue that needs to be addressed, says Farm At Hand. “This campaign is a step towards starting the conversation around farmers’ mental health and providing resources to those who need it the most, when they need it the most. Access to resources to cope with and overcome stress and depression should never be considered a luxury for anyone,” says Farm At Hand co-founder and third generation farmer, Kim Keller.
The campaign runs until April 5, 2015 and has already exceeded its goal of $6,500 in sales. The new goal is to double that by the end of the campaign, for an approximate donation to the Farm Stress Line of $3,000.
You can find more about the fundraising campaign and buy a shirt, here.
There is an opportunity for corporate sponsorship, as well. Please contact Farm At Hand for more details.
#hereforfarmers Tweets
