![Behind the scenes image of Dr Tsigarides and the Rural Minds team capturing content for the new project [photo supplied by Revolve Labs]](https://easterneducationgroup.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/3-Behind-the-scenes-image-of-Dr-Tsigarides-and-the-Rural-Minds-team-capturing-content-for-the-new-project-photo-supplied-by-Revolve-Labs.jpg)
Nearly 50% of UK farmers experience constant anxiety, according to the RABI Big Farming Survey – a stark reminder of the mental health crisis gripping rural communities. Now, a new virtual reality project, Rural Minds, is using immersive storytelling to spark understanding, empathy, and change.
The initiative, created by Suffolk doctors Dr Jordan Tsigarides, Dr Daniel James, and Dr Richard West in collaboration with Revolve Labs, officially launched on Tuesday 21st October at Eastern Education Group’s state-of-the-art XR Lab in Bury St Edmunds.
Hosted by Eastern Education Group (EEG), the event brought together educators, healthcare professionals, and rural organisations to explore how emerging technology can help address one of agriculture’s biggest hidden challenges.
Rural isolation and hidden pressures
Poor mental health remains one of the most pressing issues in UK agriculture. The RABI Big Farming Survey (2021) found that 36% of farmers are “probably or possibly” depressed, 47% report constant anxiety, and only 8% of women and 12% of men describe their mental wellbeing as good.
The Farm Safety Foundation also reports that 95% of young farmers believe mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing agriculture today.
Understanding farming life through VR
Funded by the Felix Thornley Cobbold Agricultural Trust, Rural Minds uses immersive 360° VR experiences to place viewers in the shoes, or rather, the boots, of a farmer, exploring the pressures of isolation, financial strain, weather dependency and generational expectation. The project aims to help healthcare professionals and policymakers better understand the realities of rural life, and to make it easier for farmers to ask for help.
Dr Jordan Tsigarides, Rheumatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Revolve Labs, said: “The Rural Minds VR experience allows you to step into the boots of a farmer struggling with their mental health and truly shines a light on this difficult topic.
“As doctors, our training doesn’t emphasise the unique challenges that the agricultural community face, leaving us ill-prepared to identify and support those in need. This project hopes to change that by raising awareness, improving understanding, and ultimately saving lives through connection and support.”
Tom Lloyd, Executive Director of Skills and Strategic Development at Eastern Education Group, gave a talk on the night. “We’re absolutely thrilled to host an event that shines a light on an issue so vital – not just for our farming communities, but for the whole country,” he said. “Every one of us depends on the work of farmers, and supporting their wellbeing should be a national priority.
“At Eastern Education Group, we believe in the power of education to change lives – and this is no exception. By using immersive technology like virtual reality, we can help people better understand the realities of rural life and develop solutions that actually make a difference.”
Hamish Mackenzie, Founder of Revolve Labs, said: “We’re honoured to be part of such an important initiative addressing the mental health crisis in UK agriculture. At Revolve Labs, we believe virtual reality has a unique ability to create moments of genuine understanding and reflection, helping people see the world through someone else’s eyes.
“The Rural Minds Project exemplifies how immersive storytelling can drive real social change, and our hope is that this helps to empower those in farming communities to reach out for support when they need it most.”
Dr Daniel James, GP and project co-creator, added: “The Rural Minds project is about listening to and standing alongside our farming communities. Behind the hard work and resilience of rural life, there can be real struggles with isolation, stress, and mental health.
“By raising awareness and creating practical ways for doctors to understand and respond to these challenges, we hope to make it easier for people to reach out seeking help. This project is about connection, community, and changing the conversation around suicide risk in agriculture.”
Following its Suffolk launch, Rural Minds will also be showcased at the House of Lords this November.
