Alix Ritchie: The importance of social wellbeing highlighted at Farmstrong Blether Together events

Social wellbeing is the cornerstone of a healthy and fulfilling life. It involves building and maintaining meaningful relationships, feeling connected to those around you, finding a sense of identity and creating networks of support within your community. 

For our farmers and crofters, who often face isolation and the pressures of a demanding lifestyle, social wellbeing is crucial. It helps mitigate stress, enhances mental health, offers perspective, and builds resilience.

The first three of the Farmstrong Blether Together Live events have really brought home to me how the landscape of social connection within Scottish agriculture has transformed over the years.

A prime example was highlighted at the event at Strathmore Rugby Club, where attendees discussed the impact of the closure of Forfar Mart and the loss of this social hub for the farming community there. 

Along with closures like these, evolving working practices mean we have seen a big change in the social culture of the industry. As we all know, in days gone by, farms had a couple of people or more working on them, and neighbouring farms would collaborate during the busiest times of the year; the social element probably not even acknowledged. 

Blether Together Live: A Beacon of Connection

Our Blether Together Live events are designed to bring farmers and crofters together in a relaxed, welcoming environment. These gatherings offer an evening of good food, great conversation, and inspiring stories, allowing attendees to step away from their daily routines and connect with others who understand their unique challenges.

The format is intentionally informal, with no pressure or expectations. This approach encourages genuine interactions and the sharing of experiences, which are vital for building strong social bonds. By hosting these events at local rugby clubs, we leverage spaces that naturally foster community spirit and camaraderie.

Real-Life Impact

The success of Blether Together Live is evident in the positive feedback from recent attendees. Many have reported a change of perspective, a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. The events have also allowed people to talk openly about some of the challenges the industry is facing, and the simple, practical steps that can be taken to boost wellbeing.

The familiar voices of guest speakers who have shared their stories, as well as the contributions from those attending, has added a layer of relatability that has demonstrated how peer-to-peer learning resonates with those in the industry. 

Building Strong Communities

The Blether Together Live events, which will continue throughout the year, are a testament to the value of social wellbeing in our farming and crofting communities. By providing a platform for connection, support, and shared experiences, they will continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the mental and emotional health of those who attend. 

As we look to the future, we hope to use what we learn from these events as a springboard for other initiatives, like our Farmstrong Community Groups, to continue to grow a resilient, connected, and thriving agricultural industry right across Scotland.

If you didn’t manage to get along to one of these events, look out for more coming soon. You can also listen to the stories of many of the guest speakers on our podcast series at Blether Together - the Farmstrong Scotland Podcast - Farmstrong Scotland.