You are not alone with YANA by your side

YANA’s priority is to help improve and sustain the mental health of those working in the countryside. Because here’s the thing: we can all do much better at looking after ourselves or those we care about when it comes to good mental health.

In the first six months of 2022 the helpline has already received 61% more calls than last year. This follows on from an 88% increase in 2021, compared to the previous year.

Heads up on why YANA’s work matters

Our beautiful and productive countryside conceals a painful truth: many of those living and working in rural areas suffer with depression or other symptoms of poor mental health. The financial, physical, and mental pressures of growing crops, rearing livestock, or working in all the businesses that supply and service agriculture, can overwhelm. That’s where YANA steps in.

The Farm Safety Foundation reported that 92% of farmers under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing them today.

For those who make that all important call to our helpline, hope is often restored.

‘I found it very easy to talk to a ‘neutral’ person which helped me clear the ‘mist’ & see a way forward rather than being stuck in ‘limbo’ & going nowhere.’

Three ways we make a difference

YANA has three very important ingredients in our work. Firstly, we provide confidential support and counselling. A call to our helpline 0300 323 0400 will reach someone who can give practical help and arrange sessions with one of our counsellors who know the reality of rural life and work.

Secondly, we build understanding of mental health. Our website explains the causes and symptoms to look for in ourselves and in those we care about. It also gives a plan of action to take. Our leaflets, suicide prevention cards, stickers, banners and more all give clear advice and reassurance: YANA is by your side.

Thirdly, we invest in Mental Health First Aid training. Every rural business has a first aid kit to hand. Why should there not be an equivalent kit for mental health? So far, we have provided training for more than 200 agricultural and other professionals in the skills to give mental health support when it’s needed to their colleagues, friends or family members.

Sowing the seeds to improve rural mental health

Everyone can play a part. We want YANA information in every rural business in East Anglia. To share the facts that there are many ways to improve poor mental health. Can you help with that?

We work with many businesses in a range of ways, whether its attending our Mental Health First Aid training, fundraising, sharing literature or putting up stickers. Working in partnership with others means we can make a bigger difference, discover new ways of working and ultimately, save more lives. Get in touch to talk about how we can work with you by emailing admin@yanahelp.org.

To discover more about what we do, why and how, visit our website where you’ll find more of our story and help we extend to you.

YANA is by your side, rooted in East Anglia for you.

www.yanahelp.org
admin@yanahelp.org

Confidential helpline: 0300 323 0400 / helpline@yanahelp.org