Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution operates throughout England and Wales to provide financial support, guidance and practical care to those in need within the farming community. Having identified areas of divergence between the needs of the community and the fulfilment of these, we act as an enabling force for these needs to be met, primarily through its grant making programmes.

Our work in suicide prevention

The Royal Agriculture Benevolent Institution offers a free confidential helpline (0800 281 9490) and face-to-face support to the farming community, where suicide rates are 1.9 times higher than the national average and among the highest of any UK occupation. Local Case Officers across England and Wales collaborate with networks of local and national providers, agricultural membership bodies, and support organisations to ensure those in need can access appropriate assistance.

Our current priorities

While the farming sector is increasingly aware of the impact of poor mental health and suicide, research is needed to understand the underlying factors before long-term, effective solutions can be implemented. The Royal Agriculture Benevolent Institution (RABI) is committed to deepening its understanding of how farming challenges affect individuals to create flexible, accessible support programmes that reach more of the community. RABI aims to build on existing partnerships and establish lasting relationships with local communities, government agencies, and specialist organisations to collaboratively conduct research and deliver comprehensive support packages.

Our current challenges

The farming community is often insular, with significant stigma still attached to mental health and suicide. While progress has been made in breaking down resistance to discussing mental health, open conversations about it and suicide are still far from the norm for most farmers. Responses to poor mental health and high suicide rates in the sector have been fragmented, with little focus on addressing issues at a macro level.

There is a need to consider the future of the farming community and design holistic, flexible support packages that make a real difference. RABI believes these challenges are too significant to tackle alone. The immediate priority is to formally and effectively unite major farming and specialist support organisations to collectively understand and address this issue