Mental Health Resources for the Turfcare Industry is a blog that provides industry responses from the likes of the GMA and BIGGA. The blog also contains some useful links and further details on how to become a mental health first aider.
Facts Relating to Mental Health
Some truly shocking facts
75% of deaths in men over 50 years old, were due to suicide as the biggest cause of death in that age bracket.
80 % of greenkeepers polled by BIGGA, said they were worried about their mental health.
TurfCareBlog.com did a poll, 65% said they were or had been affected by issues relating to mental health.
Stress Factors in the TurfCare Industry
- Weather, inaccurate forecasts and extreme patterns of weather possibly due to climate change.
- Expectation versus reality from club members, committees the media and maybe to a degree self-imposed.
- Low staffing, due to budget cuts and or recruitment issues.
- Lack of understanding from clubs and committees as to what the role entails.
- Unsociable working hours and patterns.
- Low income in some cases, as the industry has some challenges in this area and this can only have a knock-on effect to a groundsperson and their families.
- A lack of support.
- Outdoor, physical nature of work in all weathers can take a toll on the mind and also the body.
- Lone or small team working.
- Social media comparisons.
What are the Signs that your Mental Health Maybe Affected?
- Unable to switch off from work when you go home.
- Poor sleep patterns.
- Irritation and anger.
- Fatigue.
- Lack of motivation.
- Headaches, physical health.
- Emotional.
- Have poor resilience to work/life issues.
I am sure there are many more to add to that list!
Industry Responses
GMA
The Grounds Management Association are currently working to expand their range of health and well-being resources.
Mental health and well-being policies for all its members.
Launching a new health and well-being hub.
Live learning via Saltex.
BIGGA
The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association, have pledged to create over 100 mental health first aiders (free of charge). This is in recognition to apparent concerns within the greenkeepers sector. The course fees will be met by BIGGA.
Lantra
Are also offering this course, which employers should be encouraged to pay for, unless its part of the BIGGA campaign for greenkeepers.
The course brings about awareness and practical skills for those who undertake the training.
Mental Health First Aider –What you will learn
- A deeper understanding of mental health and factors that influence people’s well-being.
- Practical skills to spot the triggers , reassure and support the person in distress.
- Build confidence to step in and be of support.
- Enhanced interpersonal skills training to enabling first aider to listen and support in a non-judgemental manner.
- Signposting to additional support.
More information on becoming a mental health first aider – https://www.lantra.co.uk/mental-health-first-aid-training also in the links section below.
Perennial
Are a charity to help all those in horticulture including us.
Perennial, can offer support on debt, housing, health and well-being providing support for families.
Check out below in the links section.
Some Good News -Testimony
For me there has always been this stigma around mental health and even more so with men.
I had struggled for years where it would often come on all of a sudden and give me a good kick up the arse. Bad day at work or continuous poor weather like now.
But I had to have a few ups and some very low lows to realise that issues can be resolved and NOTHING is worth making yourself ill.
My wife has helped me so much, by literally just listening and I have a few good industry friends who do the same.
Get it in your heads that there is no shame in mental health and you’re NEVER alone.
You have always got someone there for you, like me.
Keep SMILING and we will get through those bad days together.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Links
Employers’ responsibility
Help or Resources
https://www.lantra.co.uk/mental-health-first-aid-training
https://www.bigga.org.uk/news-listing/bigga-mental-health-first-aiders.html
https://perennial.org.uk/home/ways-we-can-help/health-wellbeing/
Need help now!
Summary
As said above, some things we can control many we can’t. It’s not always work pressures, it can be home, finances whatever it is being aware of our mental health is key.
Once we are armed with how we are doing, we can then hopefully move forward whether that’s seeking help or just taking a few steps back.
I am no expert but what l do know, by experience talking is the start of starting to feel better, whether a small or large problem, just don’t go it alone.
Just by reading this we are winning.
Brian on behalf of the TurfCareBlog Community
For more blog on mental health, please check out our archives here – https://turfcareblog.com/?s=mental+health
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