Farmer health and welfare

Change is often daunting and can be overwhelming. The Farming Community Network (FCN) helpline offers a sympathetic person to talk to, someone who understands farmers and rural life. Calls will be answered in person from 7am to 11pm every day of the year. These volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal, family or business-related.

CALL 03000 111 999

Royal Agriculture Benevolent Institution (RABI) are a national charity that provides local support to the farming community in England and Wales.

They provide financial, emotional and mental health support through 1-1 and online services. They can also provide grants for training and learning new skills to help farm businesses.

Freephone helpline 0800 188 4444

Or you can send an email to help@rabi.org.uk

Citizens Advice offer a wealth of support and advice on many aspects of life, including personal and business finances. They can help you deal with debt, understanding the benefits systems and more.

Search for your local Citizens Advice office.

Or you can contact an adviser through our national phone service: Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848

The Prince’s Countryside Fund has produced a 31 page directory of organisations that offer help to people in rural communities. The directory covers national and local organisations on topics including mental and physical health, finances, housing, bereavement, isolation and sexuality.

Health services for farmers, allied industry and the rural community, covering Cumbria and the North of England. Based in Cockermouth, but their health professionals attend auctions and farming events to bring preventative healthcare and health services to the rural community.

Tel: 01900 705315 or email info@agrihealthmatters.com

The Addington Fund is a farming and rural charity that can support with housing solutions, farm worker grants, new entrants support and disaster relief.

Tel: 01926 620135

The Farm Safety Foundation (FSF) is a charity dedicated to supporting the physical and mental health wellbeing of UK’s farmers. Through engagement, education, research and national campaigns such as Farm Safety Week and Mind Your Head, the Farm Safety Foundation is tackling the stigma around risk-taking and poor mental health, ensuring that that next generation of farmers is resilient and equipped with strategies and specific skills to live well and farm well.

Tel: 01789 455198