Loneliness, social isolation and mental health in farming communities: An analysis of social and cultural factors
1 July 2020 - 30 September 2021
PI/s in Exeter: Professor Matt Lobley
CI/s in Exeter: Dr Rebecca Wheeler
Research partners: Farming Community Network (Jude McCann Co-I)
Funding awarded: £ 30,000
Sponsor(s): Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Network (funded by UKRI)
About the research
The research seeks to understand how social isolation,
loneliness and mental health problems are experienced and managed within the
socially and culturally distinct farming community. Using in-depth interviews
across Devon and Cornwall, and working with The
Farming Community Network and the Farming
Health Hub, the project team will invite farming family members to share their own
stories of loneliness, social isolation and poor mental health. The project will explore
how specific aspects of farm work, life and physical environment can lead to,
and are in turn affected by, such experiences, and consider how effective
support provision for this overlooked social group can best be expanded.