Inspirational agricultural contractor’s wife turned mental health champion, Emma Picton-Jones, has done more than most to bring mental health issues in agriculture to the fore, and now she has been presented with a special award by the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
Emma’s husband Daniel took his own life in 2016, and in his memory she established the DPJ Foundation, which is now starting to provide Wales wide support for all farming families struggling to cope with mental health issues.
And at the 100th Royal Welsh Show 2019, the FUW has recognised her achievements by presenting her with the Union’s ‘External Award for Services to Agriculture’ at the President’s reception on Wednesday 24 July.
“Emma has been an inspiration and a pioneer in getting mental health in rural communities across Wales on to people’s agenda,” FUW President Glyn Roberts said.
“Her work has opened up the conversation about mental health, like nothing has ever done before.
“She was the driving force of setting up the ‘Share the load’ campaign, which now offers talking therapies, which are some of the most effective ways of dealing with Mental Health.
“We have seen first hand how important the work of the charity is and Emma has worked tirelessly to bring mental health awareness and training to Pembrokeshire’s farming community, which is now expanding across Wales. The award could not go to a more deserving person this year,” said Mr Roberts.
Accepting the award, Emma said: “ To be honoured with this award is truly fantastic. It means a lot to be given the award by people from the sector who see first hand the importance of what we are trying to do.
“Personally I can’t thank the FUW enough for their support these last three years and I hope that along with award it will mean that the conversation around mental health will continue to grow across Wales.”