Written question WQ88445
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to tackle loneliness in the agricultural sector?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
Tackling loneliness and isolation and improving mental health and well-being continues to be a priority for the Welsh Government. “Connected Communities”, our strategy for tackling loneliness and social isolation, was an important step in building stronger, social connections in Wales. Published in February 2020, it recognises the detrimental impact these feelings can have on our physical and mental wellbeing and that anyone, at any age can experience feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
Farmers and those living in rural communities are facing a significant period of change and we support a number of important activities to aid mental well-being in rural communities, such as the Farm Support Group which brings together farming charities.
Welsh Government has invested £45,000 to develop Farmwell Wales, an information hub on personal and business resilience for farmers and their families including specific support on loneliness and isolation. The hub has supported over 17,000 users since it was launched in March 2020.