ALL of Virgin Money’s client-facing agricultural banking team have successfully completed RSABI’s first aid mental health training and each has gained a certification in the SCQF Level 5 Award in First Aid for Mental Health.

In doing so, every member of this specialist team now better understands what to look out for when they are talking to their farming customers and how they can adapt their approach.

Farming has always been one of the more isolated occupations. Today, as pressures on farmers reach new levels, Virgin Money’s head of agriculture in Scotland, Stephen Buchan, believes that the bank has a key role to play within the farming and rural community.

“Good mental health is just as important to a farmer as physical health, and as professionals working within the agricultural sector it’s incumbent on us to have a greater understanding of mental health and wellbeing. Better awareness and understanding drives better conversations, particularly when we are seeing subtle changes in behaviour, and it allows us to improve engagement with other representative organisations that support our industry. When your mental health is good you make better decisions, you’re more productive, more positive and better able to solve problems. Life is better for you and your family.

“We are lucky to work with farmers every day and it’s important our team is well-prepared to support them. That’s why we have committed to provide first aid mental health training for all our customer-facing agricultural banking team.”

The training was delivered in the new partnership between RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, and IED Training Solutions Ltd, an award-winning consultancy founded by former Royal Marines.

RSABI’s ground-breaking Mental Health First Aid training is aimed at encouraging people to talk more freely about mental health, reducing stigma and improving understanding about what to look out for and how to respond when someone may be struggling.

“We are delighted to be working with the Virgin Money agriculture team on this important training initiative,” said Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive.

“It comes at a time when there are some really encouraging green shoots of change as farmers and others working in agriculture become more open about talking about mental health and the steps needed to maintain and improve it.

“We would encourage anyone who is struggling not to hesitate to reach out for help and our confidential, freephone Helpline, 0808 1234 555, is now open 24/7 every day of the year.”