The Farming Community Network (FCN) and Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust have announced a new collaboration to help support and develop farmers’ personal and business resilience and signpost useful resources.
Over the coming weeks and months Nuffield Scholars will be promoting wellbeing tips and personal experiences as part of a series of short social media video clips, designed to reduce stigma around mental health, promote the scholars’ areas of research expertise and direct those who may be struggling to contact FCN via its Helpline (03000 111 999) and e-Helpline ([email protected]).
The videos will also be hosted on FCN’s FarmWell website – a one-stop resource to help farmers and their businesses stay strong and resilient: https://farmwell.org.uk/
This initiative follows last year’s “Shift Happens! An Audience with the Resilient Farmer” tour by Doug Avery, a New Zealand farmer who has received critical acclaim around the world for his unique approach to farming, the environment and mental health. The tour, which took place 30 September – 18 October 2019, was organised by FCN and Rural Support Northern Ireland.
Jude McCann, FCN’s Chief Executive Officer, was a Nuffield 2017 Scholar, whose research focused on building resilience in the agricultural sector.
Jude said: “Farmers throughout the UK are facing many challenges, and developing personal and business resilience is essential for getting through these difficult times. We hope this collaboration helps to create a network of support for the farming community and people working within the industry.
“This partnership encourages others to work with FCN in pulling together resources and expertise within the farming industry in support of our farmers and farm businesses across the UK. On a personal note, I am delighted that this initiative allows me to give back to the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, who supported my own research into farming resilience.”
Mike Vacher, Director of Nuffield Farming, said: “Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is delighted to be working with The Farming Community Network on this crucially important issue during this challenging time. Nuffield Farming is a community that supports its Scholars, Alumni and the wider agricultural industry and we hope this initiative helps to provide a wider network of support.”
Last month saw the launch of FarmWell Wales, an online resource hub tailored to help Welsh farmers and provide them with the most up-to-date information and details of support services: https://farmwell.wales/
FCN’s Helpline
Call 03000 111 999 if you:
- Feel concerned or anxious and would like to talk to someone who understands farming, will listen to you and help you think through your options
- Would like help to draft a contingency plan to ensure you and your farm are prepared, should you be unable to work for a time.
- If you or people you rely on become ill or are self-isolating and you need to find help locally- we will endeavour to find support for you in your local area. We will source contact details of local organisations and groups who may be able to assist you in finding help to feed livestock, collect shopping or collect prescriptions if you are unable to do so. This directory will be revised and updated in the coming weeks and months.
Or visit www.fcn.org.uk
