Life on the land is not for the faint-hearted. Long, lonely hours, rising costs, unpredictable weather, and the relentless pressure to make ends meet can take a heavy toll on even the most resilient farmer.
Across the UK, suicide rates among farmers are tragically on the rise — a stark reminder that while farmers are the backbone of our food system, they often shoulder their struggles in silence.
Local wellness practitioner Rose Unwin believes it’s time for that to change. Having grown up in the Devon countryside and joined the local Young Farmers society as a teenager, Rose has always had a deep respect for the farming community. Through her practice, Rose Unwin Wellness, based in the peaceful surroundings of her wellness garden in Nailsworth, she supports clients’ physical and mental wellbeing — and now, she’s turning her focus toward helping farmers in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
This year, Rose studied under leading metabolic scientist and Danish author Dr. Susanna Søberg, whose pioneering research on “contrast therapy” — alternating heat and cold exposure — has gained global attention. Denmark regularly tops the global happiness index, yet, as Dr. Søberg highlights, around 80% of people there will experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives.
That statistic hit home for Rose, especially when she reflected on the fragile state of mental health in British farming. Determined to take action, she is launching a new free monthly meetup for farmers at her wellness garden in Nailsworth.
These relaxed gatherings will offer farmers the chance to experience contrast therapy — a combination of sauna and cold-water immersion — alongside a warm, welcoming space to chat and connect with others.
“The cold and heat stress that contrast therapy invokes can be a powerful antidote to anxiety and depression,” explains Rose. “Cold water lowers inflammation and boosts endorphins, oxytocin, and dopamine — all of which help with mood, motivation, and resilience. Then, the sauna adds another layer by releasing serotonin, the body’s natural ‘happy’ hormone. You can arrive feeling low and stressed, and leave feeling calm and uplifted.”
The sessions aren’t about therapy in the traditional sense — they’re about community, recovery, and shared strength. Rose’s hope is that by bringing farmers together, they can support one another through the highs and lows of rural life, while also experiencing the tangible benefits of contrast therapy.
“Farmers give so much to the land and their communities,” says Rose. “They deserve a safe space to recharge — both physically and emotionally. My goal is simply to create that space.”
The monthly meetups are free, informal, and open to anyone in the farming community, whether they’re working the land, managing livestock, or supporting agricultural businesses.
Farmers interested in taking part or finding out more can contact Rose directly at info@roseunwinwellness.com.
About Rose Unwin Wellness
Based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, Rose Unwin Wellness offers holistic wellbeing support through a range of therapies, workshops, and community initiatives. Rooted in nature and connection, Rose’s approach integrates physical recovery, stress management, and emotional balance — helping people cultivate resilience and joy in everyday life.
Fire & Ice Contrast Therapy
Certified Contrast Therapy Instructor – Thermalist® Method, Soeberg Institute
Reflexology & Holistic Therapies Qualified Reflexologist AOR, MARZone Face Lift Practitioner
07791 50806115 Goldwater Springs, Nailsworth, Stroud GL6 0AH https://www.roseunwinwellness.com
