A LOCAL mental health campaigner has been recognised for her good work by the Prime Minister.
Emma Picton-Jones received her Points of Light award from Stephen Crabb MP on behalf of the Prime Minister for promoting mental wellbeing in rural communities.
Emma has set up an innovative mental health charity providing proactive support to farmers and people living in isolated rural areas. Emma established the ‘DPJ Foundation’ in July 2016 the day after the tragic death of her husband Daniel, who took his own life after struggling with his mental health. She has raised over £45,000 to provide mental health training to over 40 farming industry professionals in Pembrokeshire, helping them to identify symptoms in people and provide support.
By training vets, feed reps and others who work in the industry, the charity takes support to farmers, rather than waiting for people to seek it themselves. Emma speaks at many agriculture and farming events to engage farming communities in this issue and earlier this year launched a counselling service called “Share the Load” to provide sustained support to those who are struggling.