Joe Barker published a video on TikTok in the aftermath of his 21st birthday, talking about wellbeing, and how he has struggled in recent years with his mental health and the pressures of family illness and managing the farm.

The online response was huge - and he's become a champion for wellbeing, regularly posting videos with tips, advice and honest chat.

He's @JoeBarkerfromYorkshire on social channels (even though he now farms in Lanarkshire), and posts on YouTube as Real Talk Rural.

In this episode, recorded at the Farmstrong Scotland stand at the Royal Highland Show, Joe's chatting with producer Dave Howard.

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Important note: there is brief discussion of suicide in this episode.

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, it's important that you talk to someone.

Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

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How’s It Going?

Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.

Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Explore Foundations of Mental Strength

Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: hello@farmstrongscotland.org.uk