Published May 2026
Podcast: Foundations of Mental Strength with Emily Grant and Kirsty Ritchie
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In this episode of Blether Together, host Sarah Stephen speaks with Emily Grant, crofter, agricultural consultant, and Kirsty Ritchie from Mind and Mission about Farmstrong Scotland’s new Foundations of Mental Strength programme.
Emily is a former Farmstrong Trustee and will be one of the facilitators delivering the programme and Kirsty Ritchie helped develop the programme in partnership with Farmstrong Scotland.
The conversation covers how self-awareness, personal experience and wellbeing shape the way we farm, work, make decisions and respond to pressure.
About Foundations of Mental Strength
Foundations of Mental Strength, or FoMS, is a series of workshops developed for Farmstrong Scotland in response to feedback from farmers and crofters through our annual survey.
The programme looks at practical ways to understand yourself better, adapt to challenges, protect your energy and keep a clearer head when life and business feel demanding.
Why It Matters
As Emily explains, successful farm and croft businesses are built around people.
When we understand how we think, react and make decisions, we are better placed to manage change, look after our wellbeing and run our businesses in a way that works for us.
A Programme Built for Farming and Crofting
Kirsty shares how the programme was developed with Farmstrong Scotland and carefully shaped around the realities of farming and crofting life.
It starts with people, then brings in the pressures, routines and challenges that make farming and crofting so unique.
Taking Part
FoMS sessions can be delivered as part of existing groups, meetings, discussion groups or events.
If your group would like to find out more or register interest, contact hello@farmstrongscotland.org
