The DPJ Foundation
956. Emma Picton-Jones
Emma Picton-Jones, from Pembrokeshire, 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.
Emma was presented with her award by her local MP, Stephen Crabb (pictured below):
In a personal letter to Emma, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“The innovative approach you are taking to support the mental health of farmers and people working in rural communities is proactively taking help to where it is needed. ‘The DPJ Foundation’ is a wonderful tribute to the memory of your husband Daniel.”
Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said:
“Emma has worked tirelessly to bring mental health awareness and training to Pembrokeshire’s farming community following the tragic death of her husband, Daniel. Her drive and determination to ensure help is given to those who need it, so they are able to ‘Share the Load’, has been inspiring and she is most deserving of this recognition.”
Emma said:
“This has come as a complete surprise. I am just extremely happy that mental health in agriculture is being highlighted and to be recognised for my work in this sector by the Prime Minister is a very proud moment.”