Young Farmers from the three counties of west Wales will join forces at the end of the month to raise awareness of mental health.

A special event will be held at the Emlyn Hotel, Newcastle Emlyn on January 31, hosted by Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire YFCs.

The Mental Health Awareness Evening will be an open and bilingual event and a chance for members of the movement and the general public to come together and have a real discussion on a topic that’s surrounded by taboo – especially in rural communities.

The free evening will include a panel of guest speakers, a Q&A session and an auction, where all the proceeds will be split between two mental health charities – Tir Dewi and the DPJ Foundation.

Among the items for sale will be a rugby ball signed by members of the Welsh team.

The guest speakers will be the TV presenter, actor and farmer, Alun Elidyr; Emma Picton-Jones from the DPJ Foundation; and Canon Eileen Davies from Tir Dewi. Chairing the panel will be the TV presenter and farmer, Meinir Howells.

“Life in the countryside can be very hard and lonely at times, and it’s easy to think that no one is there to listen. But help is available,” says Endaf Griffiths, one of the event’s organisers.

“This event will be a chance to make a difference as Young Farmers from the three counties come together to try and tackle the stigma surrounding mental health.

“This is a matter that is relevant to everyone, of all ages, and it’s important that those who are suffering know that it is OK to talk.”

The event will commence at 7.30pm.