Rural Safety Project Boosts Farmer Wellbeing in Derbyshire

What Happened

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has launched a £5,000 project to support farmers' mental health and security in rural communities. The initiative, known as the Safe and Sound project, is being delivered by The Farming Life Centre in Bakewell and focuses on enhancing safety, wellbeing, and resilience across the High Peak area. The project is part of a broader effort to address rural crime and improve the quality of life for farmers and residents.

How the Project Was Initiated

The Safe and Sound project was made possible through funding from the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund, which allows community-focused organisations to apply for grants up to £5,000. The initiative includes practical workshops, public awareness campaigns, and peer-led support initiatives aimed at addressing security audits, livestock protection, firearms awareness, and mental health championing. The project was launched as part of the PCC’s commitment to supporting rural communities and addressing the growing concerns about agricultural crime.

Current Implementation

To date, 200 leaflets have been printed and are being distributed at local agricultural markets, community meeting places, and through the organisation’s website. A social media campaign is also promoting rural safety messaging alongside targeted email communications to farming networks. Project leaders are engaging directly with farmers and residents to understand their experiences and concerns about agricultural crime, hosting group discussions on issues such as livestock worrying and agricultural theft.

Community Engagement and Support

Project leaders are also talking directly with farmers and residents to understand their personal experiences and concerns about agricultural crime, hosting group discussions on key issues such as livestock worrying and agricultural theft. Furthermore, five long-serving Farming Life Centre supporters have undertaken mental health champion training to recognise the signs of stress and poor mental health among their peers to enable them to guide these individuals towards professional emotional help.

Public-Interest Significance

Rural crime remains a priority for the public and the PCC, as reflected in her Police and Crime Plan priorities. The project aims to strengthen community resilience by fostering connections between farmers, residents, and the police. This engagement is seen as an effective crime prevention strategy, with the potential to increase the flow of intelligence into the force and ensure action is taken against issues impacting people’s daily lives.

Future Planning and Development

Feedback gathered during engagement with farmers and rural residents has directly contributed to the planning and design of future workshops and support activity to ensure the project is grounded in real issues. The PCC has set aside significant funding from her budget to support local projects that positively address the priority areas outlined in her new Police and Crime Plan and aim to make the county safer and stronger.

Source and Verification

The information provided is sourced from the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s official news release, which outlines the details of the Safe and Sound project. The project is being implemented through The Farming Life Centre in Bakewell, with funding from the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund. The initiative is part of the PCC’s broader efforts to address priority areas outlined in her Police and Crime Plan and to make the county safer and stronger.