Young Farmers chose SAMH as their charity of the year

24th November 2016

The Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) partners with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) following their mental well-being campaign ‘Are Ewe Ok?’ and has chosen SAMH as their charity of the year.

With over 80 clubs across Scotland, SAYFC brings together young people, age 14 to 30, in rural Scotland who are interested in agricultural and the countryside.

SAYFC’s campaign, ‘Are Ewe Ok?’ set out to challenge the stigma attached to mental health by raising awareness of the issue amongst their member base and wider community. Since the launch, the campaign has been welcomed and reached a wide audience.

Earlier today, Minister for Mental Health Maureen Watt, SAMH’s Public Affairs Manager Carolyn Lochhead, and SAYFC’s National Chairperson Stuart Jamieson met to acknowledge the partnership and welcome the contribution to raising mental wellbeing amongst young farmers. 

Through this collaboration SAMH offered Young Farmers’ Clubs the opportunity to attend ‘lunch and learn’ workshops to raise awareness of mental health and to share helpful tips on how to improve mental wellbeing.

Half of adults who have poor mental health experienced the onset of their mental health problem by the age of 15.

SAYFC’s have organised fundraising events for SAMH, such as a Halloween party and a ladies lunch, with a fish supper and quiz evening planned for December.

SAMH Public Affairs Manager Carolyn Lochhead said:

“We are delighted to have been chosen as SAYFC’s Charity of the Year.

“Half of adults who have poor mental health experienced the onset of their mental health problem by the age of 15. 

“Prevention is the key and this approach by SAYFC is welcomed as we need to help young people before they become unwell.”