RSABI adapts Silent Night to help tackle rural loneliness
A host of famous farming faces have united to record an adaptation of “Silent Night” to raise awareness of the potential for loneliness in the Scottish agricultural community this winter.
The adapted version of the carol was pulled together by RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, as part of its #KeepTalking campaign to encourage people in Scottish farming to look out for each other this winter.
While the standard of the singing varies in the recording, the message prevails that the winter months can be particularly challenging for farmers and crofters and a visit or a kind word or two can make a huge difference.
Lyrics such as “So pick up the phone and mak someone’s day, It’s no the weather to be out makin’ hay” and “talk to someone – we care” are sung by famous faces including The Hoof GP, Graeme Parker; Landward presenter, Cammy Wilson from SheepGame; shepherdess, Emma Gray from This Farming Life and comedian Jim Smith.
A host of auctioneers from around the country also sing their hearts out in the recording, including Jim Craig (James Craig Ltd, Ayr), brothers Scott and Fraser Chapman and Colin Slessor (ANM, Thainstone), Graham Low (Orkney Mart) and Farquhar Macrae (United Auctions, Huntly).
Others appearing in the recording include; Graham Bruce, Managing Director of Ringlink and his team; Lucy Mitchell, Chair of Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs; Joyce Campbell and some of the Armadale Farm team; and Martin Kennedy, President of NFU Scotland with his daughter Katrina.
RSABI trustees Jimmy McLean and David Leggat, and staff members Mary Anne McWilliam and Carol McLaren also take part in the recording, along with supporters Christine Cuthbertson, Lorna Paterson and Kevin Gilbert.
The light-hearted video which the charity hopes will raise a few smiles, has a serious message at its core as it aims to raise awareness of people of all ages in farming communities who may be more vulnerable to loneliness and isolation during the winter months, with little daylight, freezing temperatures and worries about cost of living and rising input costs.
The song is part of RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign which is urging people to look out for signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health and, if they spot anything of concern, to have the confidence to reach out and encourage them to get support from organisations like RSABI.
Talking about the video, RSABI Chief Executive Carol McLaren said: “We’ve had incredible support from friends and colleagues in the farming community and our thanks go to everyone who helped us record the song.
“There is no doubt that the standard of the singing varies through the verses but that is part of what makes it so special, and our hope is that it not only raises a smile but also reminds people to look around them to see who could do with some support.
“The winter months are traditionally a tough time for farming folk, with mud and cold to contend with very often working long hours on their own. It can be easy to get a bit down and we hope that watching the video will inspire people to reach out to someone they haven’t heard from in a while. Just a small gesture could make a massive difference to how someone is feeling.
“RSABI offers emotional, practical and financial support. A free, confidential support service is available 24/7, including over Christmas and New Year. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling Freephone 0808 1234 555, emailing helpline@rsabi.org.uk or using the webchat service on our website.”
The Silent Night video is just one in a series of initiatives by RSABI encouraging farmers to #KeepTalking and supporting good mental health in people of all ages involved in farming and crofting this winter. RSABI is raising awareness of the ‘Carols at the Marts’ events across Scotland and is trialling a Thrive mental wellbeing app in partnership with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC).
As the temperature plummets, the charity is also reminding people about its Help for Heating grants available to people struggling with the costs of heating their homes.
The full RSABI Silent Night video can be viewed below: