Vinnie Jones said he had worked with the Farming Community Network to raise the profile of mental health in farming and rural communities
Hollywood ‘hardman' Vinnie Jones has been commended for highlighting the importance of mental health in farming and rural communities during his new farm series.
The ex-professional footballer for Leeds United and Wimbledon has opened the doors to his 2,000 acre farm in West Sussex for Discovery+ for a rarely seen glimpse into Mr Jones' life behind the camera.
What to expect from 'Hollywood hardman' Vinnie Jones' new farming series
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Vinnie Jones in the Country sees the Mean Machine and X-Men actor take on ambitious projects on his 400-year-old farm in Petworth and all the pitfalls which come with such lofty ambitions.
Mr Jones opens up about the death of his wife, Tanya, in 2019 from cancer during the show and how it affected his mental health.
The former Welsh international explained how being able to talk amongst a group of friends had helped him to deal with grief and the ‘difficulty of losing a loved one'.
He helps to support England football legend Paul Gascoigne with his own mental health during a spot of fishing on the farm as well during the series.
Having portrayed mean villains on the big screen alongside Sylvester Stallone, Hugh Jackman and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the FA Cup winner shows a more softer side to his demeanour.
Read more: Young sheepdog handler showcases Welsh farm life
During the third episode, Mr Jones talks about the role of the Farming Community Network and the work the charity performs to support farmers and their families.
East Sussex farmer Leighton Snelgrove said it was a privilege to work with Vinnie Jones on the series which highlighted the work of the charity to help farmers ‘stay health and resilient through change'
Farming Community Network thanked Mr Jones and the team for supporting its work and for raising awareness of the charity.
During an episode of Vinnie Jones in the Country, the Hollywood movie star helped to raise £1,500 for farmers and rural communities.
He has also spoken about his own journey through pain and overcoming mental health.
"Grief is a difficult thing to go through," he added.
"I lost my wife in 2019, my granddaughter six weeks before that, and then we went through Covid-19 shortly after.
"I was in a dark place.
"You think of the blame, the guilt and the anger.
"You feel numb, lonely and it is a frightening thing to go through.
"The weight of grief is massive.
"But at times, we have to put our heads up and help others.
"I have lost somebody I loved a lot but turned it into a positive to help others.
"To go and get help is not shameful thing."
