The £85,000 project is a collaboration between RSABI, the charity supporting Scotland’s farming community, and the University of Glasgow. It aims to deepen understanding of suicide risk factors in farming and crofting communities and develop effective prevention strategies.
The research will be jointly supervised by Professor Rory O’Connor, director of the Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab, and Professor Katie Robb, Professor of Behavioural Science and Health at the University of Glasgow.
Professor O’Connor said: “For far too long, improving the understanding of suicide risk in agricultural communities has not received the attention it needs. Over the next three years, we hope to gain a better understanding of the specific factors associated with suicide risk, which will, in turn, inform suicide prevention efforts nationally and internationally.”
Katie Bryan, raised on a farm in South Ayrshire, brings both academic expertise and a personal connection to the sector. Her undergraduate dissertation explored wellbeing, stress and coping in farming families, and her master’s research examined farmers’ views on mental health initiatives in agriculture.
“I’m really excited to take on this project, as it’s an area that means a great deal to me,” said Katie.
“Suicide rates in farming remain far too high, and I’m looking forward to supporting change that comes from within the farming community, ensuring that any solutions are shaped by farmers, not just for them. I’m also thrilled to continue working with RSABI, whose team are so dedicated and inspiring, and to collaborate with Rory and Katie at the University of Glasgow, who bring such incredible expertise to this area.”
The research will directly inform RSABI’s suicide prevention work, helping deliver tailored support, targeted campaigns, and innovative tools for those affected by suicide in agriculture.
RSABI is part of the national suicide prevention campaign in Scotland, which encourages open conversations about suicide and offers confidential support. The charity recently appointed Josie Barclay as Suicide Prevention Lead, funded by the Alastair and Margaret Miller Charitable Trust, to strengthen collaboration with specialist organisations in line with Scotland’s Creating Hope Together strategy.
RSABI offers free, 24/7 confidential support at 0808 1234 555 or via webchat at www.rsabi.org.uk. Additional support is available through Samaritans (116 123), Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87), and NHS 24 Mental Health Hub (111). In an emergency, dial 999.
For more information on Scotland’s suicide prevention campaign and resources, visit www.suicideprevention.scot.
