Support for farmers

From money matters to mental health, help is at hand.

When faced with challenges, it’s reassuring to know that there are a number of resources you can access and charities that you can lean on. Their practical advice, guidance and support continue to make a huge difference to many in the farming community. These resources, charities and useful links are provided below.

• Watch our Mental Health Awareness webinar, where we discuss how we can raise awareness of mental health for those working in and with the agriculture and horticulture sectors, and hear the personal experience of Will Evans

• Watch our Mental Health Roundtable Series of webinars

• Listen to our podcasts: Your health is your wealth and How a positive mindset can help work-life balance

• Download the Farm Safety Foundation's/Yellow Wellies 'Little Book of Minding Your Head' (a pocket guide to understanding mental health and stress)

• Read the Fit for Farming (Men) and Fit for Farming (Women) booklets, which offer advice on changes you can make to have a positive effect on both body and mind

The Resilient Farmer

Doug Avery, AKA ‘The Resilient Farmer’, of Bonavaree Farm in South Marlborough, New Zealand, has faced numerous challenges over the years, which led to him experiencing mental health issues.

To help other farmers in a similar position, Doug and Wendy set up a company called The Resilient Farmer, aimed at promoting and assisting other farmers to make a similar journey to a more resilient future. 

The FCN is the first port of call for pastoral and practical support for anyone in the farming community, with a particular focus on farmers and farming families. The helpline is available every day of the year, 7am to 11pm.

The YANA Project provides confidential support, mental health awareness and funding for counselling for those in farming and rural trades in Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcestershire and has compiled, published and funded a directory of regional support groups and key national charities which can specifically help those in the rural communities.

The DPJ Foundation was set up in July 2016 in Pembrokeshire, supporting those in the agricultural sector. The mental health charity has grown and covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support. The DPJ Foundation works with leading organisations in the sector, including NFU Cymru, FUW, YFC, vets and Welsh Government, to help provide an accessible and flexible service.

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

The charity campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

R.A.B.I offers financial support to farming people of all ages facing hardship. Every application for support is treated on its own merit, working with compassion and discretion.

Support is offered on both a short-term and long-term basis, with many becoming ‘full beneficiaries’ of the charity, receiving ongoing payments.

RSABI offers practical and financial support and friendship to more than 600 individuals and their families working on the land in Scotland.

Working with people from a wide range of occupations, including farming, crofting and growing, the team works to support anyone who asks for help and is within their scope, in the strictest confidence.

The Addington Fund provides homes for farming families in England and Wales who have to leave the industry through no fault of their own. Hardship grants are also available, at the trustees’ discretion, in times of emergency.