IN 2008, Monica Haworth’s world fell apart when her 34-year-old son Jeff took his own life on their family-run farm in Kelsall, near Chester.

His death came totally out of the blue – there was no note and no indication he’d been depressed.

As shocking as this is, his situation is not unusual. Statistics show that on average one farm worker takes their own life every week in the UK and by far the majority are men.

It’s thought social isolation, the pressures of modern farming and low pay are largely to blame.

Not wanting anyone else to suffer what she went through, Monica’s response to her son’s tragic death was to try to help others.

She joined the Cheshire Agricultural Chaplaincy - a team of farmers, clergy and agricultural specialists who offer a confidential, non judgemental listening ear to agricultural workers.

Monica, 72, said: “Rural areas have a unique set of circumstances that can isolate older residents in particular.

"Not only is farming a physically demanding job but it’s also become more mechanised and has had to keep pace with productivity.

“It’s only in retirement that you find you didn’t actually build up many friendships along the way. I wanted to find a role within the chaplaincy helping farmers who, like me, could understand the impact of being isolated.”

Monica and husband Colin retired from farming at the Eddisbury Fruit Farm in 2014, after many years of making renowned Cheshire Apple Juice and Cheshire Cider.

Realising that retired workers are the worst affected, the Chaplaincy sought funding from Brightlife in 2018 to run lunch clubs for the over 50s.

Brightlife is one of 14 Ageing Better programmes set-up across the UK by The National Lottery Community Fund to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.

There are now six lunch clubs across Cheshire West and they’re proving a lifeline to those who lost touch with the wider community after the local cattle markets closed down.

There they’d had the opportunity to meet up and socialise and, for many, the cattle markets’ demise had left a gap in their lives they didn’t know how to fill.

“I’ve seen a lot of lovely friendships spark up at the lunch clubs,” said Monica. “It’s wonderful to see it’s now become a gathering of friends.

“Some farmers can’t read or write, and I’m not just taking about the elderly farmers, some young farmers are dyslexic or autistic. This along with the long hours, government regulation and paperwork – all with little financial gain - contributes to a deterioration in farmers mental health and well-being.

“Sharing the load with others is hugely beneficial in any environment so it’s so important to reach out and try to help farmers before things get too dark. We don’t need any more wasted lives.”

In addition to the lunches, the Chaplaincy offers mental health resilience training as well as a phone helpline with 24/7 support for as long as is needed.

  • Those wishing to volunteer for the Chaplaincy can call 07967 559594 or email 1sharonmayer@gmail.com. Farmers needing support can call the helpline on 07967 559594 or email talk@agchap.com.