11. Sam Stables - Bench Talk with Jo Hilditch
*Content warning: this podcast episode contains frank discussions of themes and issues some listeners may find disturbing*
Sam Stables and his wife Emily live at the top of Callow Hill at Aconbury. Sam is one of life’s great enthusiasts although life has not always been plain sailing for him. After a difficult childhood and early challenging times Sam ended up in Herefordshire, where he and Emily have put down their roots with their two young children. Following his own very hard mental health difficulties they have started up a charity We Are Farming Minds. This is a mental health charity started by farmers for farmers that aims to challenge and change the overwhelming statistics relating to suicide and mental health in the farming community. Sam talks about his own attempt at suicide, how it might have been prevented and how he would like to help prevent other farmers following the slippery mental health descent. On average in the UK, one farmer per week takes his own life which is a terrible statistic that We Are Farming Minds hopes to ameliorate. Listen to this engaging young man talk about his journey so far, and how his determination and resilience are pushing through. Although the Soap Box Derby we talk about is not going ahead after all there will be many events that will including the Wild Wild West. Sign up for tickets!
Our bench today is next to their glamping caravans at Kings Pitt Farms with views across glorious Herefordshire countryside.
References:
We are Farming Minds - https://m.facebook.com/wearefarmingminds/
Wild Wild West Party - https://m.facebook.com/events/1448963578829475
British Farming Awards www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk
Kingspitt Farm Glamping - https://www.facebook.com/Shepherds-Hideaway-1814446172216025/
Duchy of Cornwall https://duchyofcornwall.org
Muddy Matches, online dating for farmers - muddymatches.co.uk
Symonds Yat - www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/information/products/symonds-yat-p1313151
Weobley Go-Karting - www.herefordraceway.org.uk
Visit Herefordshire: www.visitherefordshire.co.uk
