Empowering Mental Health: How UK Farmers Are Using Tractors to Drive Change

Three friends are embarking on a remarkable adventure to raise awareness about mental health in farming. They plan to drive vintage tractors more than 800 miles from John O’ Groats in Scotland to Lands End in Cornwall. The journey begins on September 8 and aims to benefit a charity dedicated to young people’s mental health.

Billy Kitcher, 23, from Chideock, came up with the idea. He and his friends, Bill Parsons and Jack Macey, want to highlight the mental health struggles many farmers face. Billy notes, “There’s not enough help for farmers.” He believes that farmers often feel overworked and overwhelmed, leading to reluctance in seeking help.

A recent survey by the Farm Safety Foundation shows that 94% of UK farmers under 40 consider poor mental health the biggest hidden issue in their field. This aligns with Billy’s experiences and concerns about the farming community.

“We want to raise awareness and funding,” he says. The trio has already raised over £1,000, with local support pouring in. Billy joked about having “posters with his face on every lamp post” as a testament to their fundraising efforts.

The journey will be a mix of fun and challenges. Billy has 11 vintage tractors and will be using a 1954 Fordson Major. His friend Bill will drive a Ford 6710, while Jack handles a Nuffield 10/60, whose engine was recently rebuilt. These tractors will move at an average speed of 18 mph, so they’re hoping other drivers will be patient.

They expect the trip will take between five to ten days, during which they’ll be camping along the route. For Jack, this is a significant experience—he’s never left Dorset before!

This nostalgic trip isn’t just about raising funds. It’s also a chance to bond, reflect, and spread a vital message. As Billy puts it, “I just want to do more to help people.”

For more information on mental health in agriculture, you can check out the Farm Safety Foundation.

Source link