The DPJ Foundation was set up in Pembrokeshire in July 2016 following the death by suicide of Daniel Picton-Jones. Emma, Daniel's widow, sought to fill the gap in support that existed for those with poor mental health in rural communities and for those caring for them. Over the past seven years the charity has grown to cover the whole of Wales, providing bespoke counselling services to those in agriculture under the banner of "Share the Load", and mental health awareness training sessions to individuals and organisations working in this sector. Alongside this, we have developed Bereavement and Grief Awareness training along with resources for those who are bereaved in farming.
Poor mental health is a growing problem across the UK; it is estimated that one in four people will be affected by a mental health issue every year. Agriculture is far from immune. In 2018 there were 83 people in agriculture and associated industries who died by suicide: that is more than 1 farmer a week. This is a statistic that we at the DPJ Foundation are working hard to change.
One of our core missions at the DPJ Foundation is to get people in agriculture talking about mental health. We deliver talks and mental health awareness training to people within the industry and the wider rural community. Our mental health awareness training introduces the concept of looking after your own mental health and wellbeing and how to spot the signs that someone else may be suffering from from poor mental health and how to help. We also cover suicide prevention and help our trainees to have conversations to “sound out suicide” if they have concerns. Our bereavement training seeks to help people support others who have been bereaved as well as understanding more about grief.
We also cover suicide prevention and help our trainees to have conversations to “sound out suicide” if they have concerns. Our bereavement training seeks to help people support others who have been bereaved as well as understanding more about grief.
Alongside providing this training, we also offer our Share the Load helpline. Share the Load is a 24/7 confidential call and text line that is staffed by Samaritans-trained volunteers who understand the agricultural community and the challenges that farmers face. The service is completely confidential and can provide the first step to feeling better. We also provide access to fully-funded professional counsellors who can meet with the farmer at their farm or another convenient location within a week of their call, if that is what the caller wants.
We know that caring for someone can be mentally challenging and we have provided our Share the Load service to many people who are supporting others.
Alongside our Share the Load volunteers, the DPJ Foundation has a team of Regional Champions spread across Wales. These volunteers regularly attend meetings and events to raise awareness of mental health, to talk about the work of the DPJ Foundation and to ensure people know how to get in touch with Share the Load if they need support.
To find out more please visit our website:
www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk
CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT LINE: 0800 587 4262 OR TEXT: 07860 048799 THEDPJFOUNDATION.CO.UK
THEDPJFOUNDATION.CO.UK