A WEBINAR is being held by Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards on Thursday, July 22 to promote wellbeing in the farming community.

The pandemic and Brexit have put huge pressure on many of the region’s farmers and in recognition of this, the Trading Standards Farming Partnership, in conjunction with the Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Rural Community project, has held a series of webinars over the last year.

The aim of this latest event is to help support farmers in areas ranging from rural crime and running a business to safety and mental health - and to help publicise the support and guidance available to those who need it.

Speakers include officers from Devon and Cornwall Police and Avon and Somerset Police, who will be talking about domestic abuse, as well as dog theft and dog attacks on livestock and new dog-related legislation.

Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation will talk about Farm Safety Week, the same week as this session.

There will be an opportunity to ask the speakers and trading standards officers questions.

The format of the meeting will allow you to do this anonymously if you prefer.

Mark Peacock, Team Manager, Business Support and Innovation, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service, said: 

“Farming is a challenging way of life and if you are struggling it can be hard to know where to go for support.

“Maybe you simply want a listening ear from someone who understands farming, or perhaps you need advice on running your business.

“To find out how you can get the right help join us for an evening of talks from a range of experts.”

Those unable to attend the online event will have the opportunity to watch it on the trading standards YouTube page afterwards.

The online event is on Thursday, July 22 between 6pm and 8pm. Book your place at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-farming-tickets-162428286377 .

If you can’t make the session, you can still register, and you’ll be emailed a link to the recording afterwards.

Registration will close at 3pm on Thursday, July 22.

This is the fourth session in this series. You can view recordings of previous talks at: www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/agriculture/support-for-farmers/ .