While Christmas can be an enjoyable time for many, with families gathering to share in the festivities and spend quality time together, for some it can highlight loneliness and isolation.

For many people within the farming community, it can be a particularly lonely time. It can also be a difficult time for those dealing with grief. Christmas is a time to come together, and if you have lost a friend or family member, it can be particularly hard without them.

Christmas can also be a difficult time for those dealing with poor mental health and can exacerbate feelings you may already be having. One in four people will suffer with mental health issues in their lifetime with agriculture carrying one of the highest rates of suicide. The past year has been unprecedented and while as farmers we are used to coping with uncertainty, the past 12 months has been particularly hard.

In these times it’s so important to recognise the pressure we are all under. Even if people appear to be ok, I can assure you that many are not. So, give yourself a break and don’t think it’s only you. Then take another step and talk to someone. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your partner, a friend or a qualified counsellor. Somebody, anybody, will do. We are all proud but don’t let that get in the way. The hardest step is the first one and from there it’s amazing what support and understanding is out there.

There are also some things you can do to feel less alone. Regardless of the reason Christmas is difficult for you, it might help to make a plan in advance, so you can be prepared for the days to come. It maybe that you want to be alone, but it maybe that you would like some company, whether that be in person, or speaking with a friend on the phone. Try and speak with friends and family in advance and ask what their plans are, see if they would mind an extra chair at their table this year, or if they’d like to go to the local pub for coffee shop for a drink, or go for a walk and a chat. There are also a number of events that are specifically put on over the festive period to bring people together which you could attend.

There are a number of organisations here in Wales who offer support and advice specific to farmers. You can contact The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Fund or RABI on 0800 1884444. The DPJ Foundation is another Welsh mental health charity who supports those in agricultural and rural communities. You can contact them by calling 0800 587 4262 or texting 07860 048799. Tir Dewi are also available for support, and they recognise the growing and serious need to help farmers who are experiencing difficult times. You can contact them by calling 0800 121 47 22. Finally, the Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmer and families within the farming community. You can contact them on 03000 111 999.