Mind Your Head in Farming and Agriculture: 9-13 February 2026

The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) organises the Mind Your Head week each year. The awareness week aims ‘to raise awareness of mental health in the farming industry and to reduce the stigma around poor mental health’. 

This is something we are passionate about at Mates in Mind. We advocate for positive mental health in and through work. We work with organisations to build cultures of prevention and a supportive working environment so that every worker has the skills, knowledge and confidence to spot the signs of mental ill-health, to start conversations, signpost support and help to address the stigma that surrounds mental health. 

Our research found that some health conditions (e.g., headaches or migraines, arthritis or joint pain, eye strain etc.) can contribute to an elevated risk of workplace accidents if they affect mood, concentration, coordination or vigilance. Therefore, in order to improve safety, both physical and mental health need to be considered and addressed if required. 

However, in agriculture, as with many of the sectors in which we work, there is often a perceived need to work through health conditions, e.g., because livestock need to be cared for; crops planted, harvested etc. This is why we have joined charities and organisations already working in farming and agriculture to provide effective interventions and resources that can help to ensure all farmers, farm workers, employees and contractors are supported with their mental health in and through work. 

Please visit our Strengthening Resilience in Farming and Agriculture page to find out more about the AgriWellbeing Alliance and download free resources.

When Is Mind Your Head week?

The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) Mind Your Head week is taking place from Monday 9 to Friday 13 February 2026.

Resources for Mind Your Head week

We have created a suite of resources to support the farming and agriculture sector, throughout the year. To access our free signposting infographics and toolbox talk, please visit our Strengthening Resilience in Farming and Agriculture page. 

Please click on the link below to download a free A3 poster which you can share across your organisation.

Please also visit our Resources page where you can download a free Spotting the Signs infographic to help you identify if a colleague, friend or family member may need, or want, to talk.

Visit our Resources page

Free and Confidential Support Services

If the information on this page has resonated with you, and if you or someone you know needs help or support, you can speak to one of the many free, confidential support services.

Why is Mind Your Head week important?

• The Farm Safety Foundation found that 95% of UK farmers under the age of 40, rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry today .
• RABI’s Big Farming Survey found that ‘almost one in five in the farming community (19%) report that they know someone who has attempted to take their own life.’  
• A 2018 Farmers Weekly survey of more than 700 farmers found that the average working week was 65 hours compared to a national average of 37.5 hours. 68% felt they did not get enough sleep  and 40% wanted help balancing work and time off. 
• According to the HSE, in agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2024/25 : 
  
  • There were 23 fatal injuries to workers. 
  • The fatal injuries rate is 8.77 per 100,000 workers. This is about 22 times the all industry rate.
  • Around 3.2% of workers in the sector sustained a workplace non-fatal injury. This rate is statistically significantly higher than that for workers across all industries (1.7%).

Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees, including mental health/stress. Mental wellbeing also benefits the business, for example, increased productivity, a reduction in sickness and staff turnover, and it demonstrates that the organisation is a good, safe, and supportive place to work. Research has found that, on average, businesses achieve a £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support .

Mental wellbeing in the workplace is also good for the employee, for example, improving confidence, purpose, achievement, positive relationships, and inclusion.

Further Reading on Mental Wellbeing

If you’d like to explore this topic in more detail, these articles may be helpful. You can find practical tips and guidance on eradicating the culture of silence and addressing the stigma around mental health in the workplace.

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How We Can Support You

Mates in Mind can support your organisation to build a mental health plan and to create a culture of prevention.

Our dedicated team of Support Managers work with organisations of any size to develop a tailored action plan, evaluating your organisation's priorities and gaps, and providing the tools and support you need.

This plan includes ongoing support with communication and delivery of your plan, as well as training opportunities, promotional materials, and a suite of tools (including World Mental Health Day and World Suicide Prevention Day packs) to enable you to drive long-lasting and meaningful change.

Find out more about how we can help your organisation build a culture of prevention when you become a Supporter by:

• Visiting our Become a Supporter page
• Calling: 020 3510 5018
• Using our contact form

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