World Suicide Prevention Day 2025

Every year on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), people across the globe come together to raise awareness and promote action around suicide prevention.

For those working in agriculture, this day is especially significant.

Farming is not only a livelihood, it’s a way of life, but it can also bring challenges that affect mental health, from financial pressures to long hours and rural isolation.

Farming and mental health: the statistics we can’t ignore

It’s important to reflect on the mental health challenges faced within the farming community:

• Three people in the UK farming industry die by suicide every week.
• Male farmworkers are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
• Suicide deaths in the farming community have risen each year between 2021 and 2023.
• Only 1 in 4 agricultural workers say they would feel able to approach a colleague they thought might be having suicidal thoughts.

These figures highlight why World Suicide Prevention Day is such a vital reminder that conversations about mental health in farming must not be avoided.

Why talking on World Suicide Prevention Day matters

Farmers are known for their resilience and independence, but pride and trust can sometimes act as barriers to seeking help.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded that simply checking in with a colleague, friend, or neighbour could make all the difference.

Encouragingly, research shows that 74% of people would ask if they were worried about suicide, but many lack the confidence or knowledge of what to do next.

Support services for the farming community

If you or someone you know is struggling this World Suicide Prevention Day, please remember that support is available:

• 📞 Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7) | samaritans.org
• 📞 YANA (You Are Not Alone) – 0300 323 0400 | helpline@yanahelp.org
• 📞 The DPJ Foundation – 0800 587 4262 | Text 07860 048799
• 📞 Farming Community Network (FCN) – 03000 111 999 (7am–11pm daily) | fcn.org.uk
• 📞 Yellow Wellies – Farm Safety Foundation | yellowwellies.org
• 📞 R.A.B.I (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) – 0800 188 4444 | rabi.org.uk

Coming together on World Suicide Prevention Day

We all depend on farmers for food and the care of our countryside.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s commit to breaking the stigma, talking more openly about mental health, and signposting to organisations that can help.

By standing together as a community we can make a difference, because behind every farm gate is a person who matters.