Mental health support for Flemish farmers

Farmers suffer from stress and mental health challenges that can be exacerbated by rural factors such as isolation. In Belgium (Flanders) the government and agricultural support organisations are working together to raise awareness about farmers’ wellbeing through a new action plan and information campaign.

The Flemish farming charity Boeren op een Kruispunt (Farmers at a Crossroads) is involved in implementing this new wellbeing action plan. Its information campaign is reaching out to rural professionals, including agricultural advisors, who visit farms. The aim is to highlight and help recognise signs that a farmer might need support to help deal with stress and mental health issues. The campaign also provides advice about how to refer farmers to get support with stress and cope with rural mental health issues.