LGBTQ in Farming: Identity, Mental Health & Breaking Stigma in Agriculture | DPJ Foundation

LGBTQ in Farming: Identity, Mental Health & Breaking Stigma in Agriculture | DPJ Foundation

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Emma from the DPJ Foundation sits down with Gethin Bickerton, Welsh actor and trustee of the DPJ Foundation, alongside Andrew Powell and Ren Fisher, to discuss the experiences of the LGBTQ community within farming and the wider agricultural industry. Together, they speak openly about growing up in rural communities, the pressures and struggles they faced around identity and acceptance, and how isolating life could feel at times while trying to navigate both personal and professional life within agriculture.At the heart of the conversation, however, is warmth, progress, and hope. T he episode reflects positively on the farming community, the role of Young Farmers Clubs, and the increasing openness and support being seen within agriculture today. The guests also discuss the importance of visibility, honest conversations, supportive friendships, and creating spaces where people feel able to be themselves both within and outside of farming life. This is a thoughtful, emotional, and uplifting discussion about identity, belonging, mental health, resilience, and the changing culture within modern agriculture — highlighting how important community and conversation can be. Whether you work in farming, live in a rural area, or simply want to hear real stories from real people, this episode offers an important and inspiring perspective on life within the agricultural community.

Lleisiau Ifanc mewn Ffermio: Teulu, Dyfodol, a Bywyd ar y Tir.

Yn y bennod galonogol a gonest hon, mae Mal, merch Emma, sylfaenydd y DPJ Foundation, yn eistedd i lawr gyda Alun Elidyr, cyflwynydd S4C a ffermwr, a Meinir Howells, cyflwynydd teledu, ffermwr a mam, i drafod dyfodol amaethyddiaeth a sut i annog pobl ifanc i ddod i mewn i’r byd ffermio. Gyda’i gilydd, maent yn archwilio realiti byw a gweithio yng nghefn gwlad — harddwch y wlad, y gymuned glòs, a manteision magu teulu ar fferm. Mae’r sgwrs hefyd yn trafod yn agored rai o’r heriau sy’n dod gyda bywyd amaethyddol, gan gynnwys pwysau ariannol ac ansicrwydd, a’r realiti bod arian weithiau’n dynn, ond bod y ffordd o fyw a’r cysylltiad â’r tir yn dod â math gwahanol o hapusrwydd.Mae’r drafodaeth yn tynnu sylw at rôl bwysig Clybiau Ffermwyr Ifanc, adeiladu hyder ymhlith pobl ifanc, a chreu mannau cefnogol lle gall sgiliau, cyfeillgarwch a gwydnwch ddatblygu. Maent hefyd yn trafod effaith cyfryngau cymdeithasol — y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael ond hefyd sut i ddelio â’r pwysau mewn ffordd iach a chadarnhaol. Mae’r bennod hon yn sgwrs feddylgar ac ysbrydoledig am ddyfodol ffermio, yn dathlu’r ffordd o fyw tra’n cydnabod yr heriau’n onest, ac yn dangos sut mae angerdd, cymuned a phrofiadau a rennir yn parhau i ysbrydoli pobl ifanc i gamu i fyd amaethyddiaeth. Os yr ydych yn cael trafferth a hoffwch siarad â rhywun am gefnogaeth plis ffoniwch ein llinell Rhannwch y Baich 24/7 ar 0800 587 4262 neu tecstiwch 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #RhannwchYBaich #ShareTheLoad

Farming, Media, and Mental Health: Honest Conversations from Life in the Spotlight.

In this powerful and open conversation, Emma sits down with three guests whose lives sit at the intersection of farming, media, and mental health. Joining the discussion are Anne, one of the DPJ Foundation’s regional volunteers and a news and livestock reporter for Farmers Weekly; Alun Elidyr, S4C presenter and farmer, who speaks openly and honestly about his personal battles with depression; and Meinir Howells, TV presenter, farmer, and mother, who shares her experiences of balancing life on the farm with working in broadcasting. Together, they discuss the realities of working within the farming world while reporting and presenting on stories that can often be difficult or emotionally heavy. The conversation explores the pressures faced within agriculture, the importance of openness around mental health, and how sharing personal experiences can help break stigma and encourage others to reach out. This episode offers a genuine and thoughtful insight into life behind the scenes — both on the farm and in front of the camera — highlighting the strength, vulnerability, and honesty that help keep important conversations moving forward. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

What Happens When You Reach Out? Inside the Share The Load Support Line.

In this informative and reassuring episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with Natalie, a Share The Load volunteer, and Nicola, one of the service’s counsellors, to talk openly about what people can expect when they reach out for support. Together, they explore how the 24/7 Share The Load phone line and text service works, what happens when someone makes that first call or message, and the compassionate support that is available to those who may be struggling. The conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes — from the role of volunteers and counsellors, to how calls are handled, the importance of listening, and how small moments of connection can make a big difference. This episode aims to remove fear or uncertainty around asking for help, breaking down the process in a calm and approachable way. Whether you’re curious about the service, thinking about reaching out yourself, or simply want to understand more about how support works, this conversation provides clarity, comfort, and encouragement. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

Farming, Education, and Mental Health: Realities, Pressures, and the Next Generation

In this insightful episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with three voices from across farming and agricultural education to explore the realities of life in the industry — past, present, and future. Joining the conversation are Katie Davies, lecturer at Bridgend College, Wales Women Farmer of the Year 2023 and Beef Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards; Gwenna Maycock, a second-year veterinary student at Aberystwyth University; and Stuart Williams, a farmer who has diversified into farming education and is now a lecturer in agriculture and animal studies at Pembrokeshire College. Together, they discuss the expectations placed on those growing up in farming communities, the pressures faced from a young age, and how education — both academic and practical — plays a vital role in shaping resilient, informed futures. The conversation also explores what agricultural education needs to do better, how young people are supported (or not), and the ongoing mental health challenges within farming and rural life. This episode offers an honest, wide-ranging discussion about culture, change, responsibility, and the importance of creating space for conversation, understanding, and support across generations within agriculture. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich