For Mental Health Awareness Week, we are delighted to announce that organisations from across the forestry sector have come together to tackle the growing issues surrounding mental health in forestry.
An increasing number of threats to our trees makes the future of woodlands and forestry in the UK uncertain. However, we do know that trees and woodlands won’t thrive without the dedicated people who work across all aspects of forestry to keep them healthy. The forestry sector has a duty of care to these people to keep them healthy, happy and safe. As our physical safety record in forestry operations continues to get better and better, it’s high time we took urgent action to address the important issues relating to mental health in our industry.
This is why representatives from the Forestry Contracting Association (FCA), the Royal Forestry Society (RFS), the Forestry Commission (FC), Cumbria Woodlands, the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA), the Confederation of Forest Industries (CONFOR), the Institute for Chartered Foresters (ICF), Rowellian Environmental Consulting and Iwan Meirion Consultancy are working together to help identify the mental health issues facing our sector and provide useful tools to help prevent and alleviate problems.
RFS will be collecting your thoughts and ideas over the summer and we invite members to visit the RFS stand at the Royal Welsh Show (21 to 24 July) to share your ideas.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Please reach out to someone you trust, your GP, or if you are in crisis call 999.
Below are details on services and organisations that offer help and support:
- Samaritans Offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence. Call 116 123 – it’s FREE
- Mind Find practical advice helplines and support as well as further resources
- Shout 85258 For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258
- CALM helpline & webchat The Campaign Against Living Miserably is leading a movement against suicide. Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 or use their webchat here. Open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year
