With 2024 well underway, Farmstrong Scotland’s new programme director Alix Ritchie, reflects on what the year might hold for Farmstrong as well as sharing some of her own wellbeing commitments, including spending time with her horse Effie.
“Looking back on my first month as programme director of Farmstrong Scotland it seems only right to spend a little time considering my own wellbeing. Thinking about it, I quickly conjure up a list of reasons why looking after myself has slipped to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list recently. New job, farm pressures (including a TB test), kids, illness, dark nights etc - it pulls me up short to realise just how far my wellbeing has dropped down that list of things to do. At this time of year, I usually read a book every few weeks. But not a single book has been picked up this year, so I’ve just hopped online to buy a crime thriller of questionable literary credibility which I am determined to get stuck into!
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“One of the most insightful parts of the job so far has been reading through the research conducted by SRUC on behalf of Farmstrong last year. The top issues raised were managing tiredness and fatigue (54% of respondents), getting a decent work life balance and getting time off farm (47%) and how to stop worrying about work and managing stress (41%).”
Alix continued: “This research and continued monitoring will play a pivotal role in developing a programme that meets the varying needs of farmers and crofters across Scotland. We plan to create a wide range of resources to help people find out what works best for them.
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“We are also looking to share relatable, accessible real-life stories and experiences through our new podcast series, launching early 2024, and the Farmstrong newsletter, website, and social channels. Please get in touch if you would like to share your story. Sharing how you manage your wellbeing could make an enormous difference to somebody else.
“Throughout 2024 we plan to work closely with industry stakeholders to generate space, time, and resources to integrate wellbeing into industry conversations and events. There will also be a series of Farmstrong Walk & Talk events, kindly supported by NFU Mutual, that will explore the farm business and have opportunities to share good food and conversation with others from the local area.”
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