Farmstrong Scotland’s Blether Together podcast celebrates three award wins in one year

Farmstrong Scotland's Blether Together podcast, has been named the winner of the ‘Good News Award’ at Scottish Land & Estates' Helping it Happen Awards, held on 1 October, part of a remarkable three award wins in a single year.

The award recognises positive stories from Scotland's rural community and sits alongside a win at the Scottish Podcast Awards earlier this summer, where Blether Together won ‘Best Interview’.

Podcast host Sarah Stephen and producer David Howard were also named ‘Podcasters of the Year’ at the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists' annual awards on 8 October, recognised specifically for the podcast's menopause episode, which featured farmers and crofters speaking openly about their experiences of the menopause and its effect on farming life.

Produced by David Howard of Bespoken Media and Lucy Laidlaw, the podcast brings together rural voices to share honest conversations about wellbeing and the small things that make a big difference.

The podcast has grown steadily since its launch and forms a central part of Farmstrong's peer-to-peer approach to supporting Scotland's agricultural community.

Alix Ritchie, Director of Farmstrong Scotland, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. To be recognised three times in one year means a great deal. Blether Together exists because farmers and crofters are willing to share their stories honestly and openly - so this recognition belongs to every one of them.

“If you haven't already listened, I'd encourage you to give the podcast a try. The power of Blether Together lies in hearing real people share real experiences, and one of the great things about podcasts is that you don't need to find extra time for them. Whether you're in the tractor, in the pickup or out and about on the farm, you can listen while you work.”

The recent wins come weeks after Farmstrong published an independent evaluation showing that four in five people who engaged with the charity said it had made a positive difference to their health and wellbeing, with the podcast emerging as one of the charity's most valued and well-used resources.

Lucy Laidlaw Communication is proud to work alongside Farmstrong Scotland, Sarah Stephen, David Howard and the Bespoken Media team to help bring these conversations to a wider audience.

All episodes of Blether Together are available in the Wellbeing Hub at www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk.