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The ground-breaking Mental Health First Aid training aims to encourage people to talk more freely about mental health, reduce stigma and improve understanding of what to look out for when someone is struggling.

It is being delivered in a 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.

The initiative offers the opportunity for participants to gain certification in the SCQF Level 4 Award for First Aid for Mental Health Awareness and/or SCQF Level 5 Award in First Aid for Mental Health. It is aimed at organisations and individuals who work regularly in the front line with farmers or crofters.

Seven training courses have so far been delivered during a pilot phase, including five with assessors and staff from Food Integrity Assurance, who undertake assessments on behalf of both Quality Meat Scotland and Scottish Quality Crops.

Carol McLaren, RSABI chief executive, said: “There are many synergies between the Royal Marines and farming – from working in all weathers and challenging terrain to antisocial hours and public scrutiny.

“This initiative 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.”

IED Training Solutions was set up in 2015 by former Royal Marine Ian Clark; he and his team are excited to be working with RSABI.

He said: “We have a great deal of respect for the work of the farming community to both provide food and look after the land.

“During recent times some great work has been done in the Royal Marines to encourage a really positive approach to achieving good mental health and we are very much looking forward to sharing that experience with the farming community. I think this training, and the cascade effect of the benefit, could be a major step forward for the industry.”

Major Hugh Jones, a former Royal Marine with 35 years’ service, is leading on the delivery of the courses.

He said: “It’s very important for farmers to recognise when they are starting to feel stressed and that they know about coping strategies such as taking a break, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. These steps can have an immensely positive effect on an individual.”

During the training Major Jones also explains the signs to look out for when visiting farmers or crofters.

He said: “Don’t hesitate to ask them how they are. Say if they don’t seem themselves and you are worried and, above all, be kind – you wouldn’t believe how much impact that can have.”

Those interested in finding out more about the training should visit www.rsabi.org.uk or email [email protected].

RSABI provides emotional support, including a free counselling service 24/7, by calling 0808 1234 555.