The Farming Community Network

The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in farming and provide support at times of difficulty and change.

FCN has a wide network of volunteers, located throughout England and Wales, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farm workers and farming families regularly face. Our volunteers provide free and confidential support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related. You can learn more about volunteering with FCN here: fcn.org.uk/volunteering

In addition to local groups of volunteers, FCN runs a confidential national helpline (03000 111 999, open 7am-11pm every day of the year) and e-helpline ([email protected]).

The FCN / Len’s Light Nuffield Farming Scholarship will sponsor Nuffield Scholars focusing on topics that support the health and wellbeing of people in farming and rural communities across the UK. Topics of particular interest include health inequalities and inequities (e.g. dementia, cancer); barriers to accessing support and healthcare services / provisions; and interventions to engender a positive mindset and to build resilience.

It is hoped the findings and recommendations of this Scholarship will help to create further support across the UK agricultural sector and generate important positive conversations, whilst also reducing stigma around mental health and wellbeing. We also hope this research will help to demonstrate the need for greater investment in support services in farming and rural communities.

The Scholarship is inspired by Warwickshire farmers Andy and Lynda Eadon, who lost their son Len to suicide in January 2022. Many thanks to them and their Len’s Light campaign for making this Scholarship possible.

Our volunteers will “walk with” anyone who seeks support and help them find a positive way through their problems. Each year we help approximately 6,000 people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental ill-health and family disputes.

FCN also operates the FarmWell platform (farmwell.org.uk) – a one-stop shop for information to support your farm business and develop personal resilience.

FCN relies solely on donations and grants in order to continue supporting the farming community. With British farming facing deep uncertainty in the coming years, the workload of FCN volunteers is expected to increase significantly.