NFU Mutual continues to recognise the important work of Rural Support

In recent years Rural Support has seen an increase in the demand for its services from individuals experiencing a wide range of issues including challenging financial difficulties and debt, relationship issues and succession concerns.  With this increase in demand Rural Support is delighted to receive ongoing support with a recent donation from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

Jude McCann, Chief Executive of Rural Support commented that “as a charity which relies heavily on ongoing fundraising and donations to continue our work, we are extremely grateful to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for its continued support and generosity.  With the increase in the demand for our services the donation will help ensure that our volunteers, mentors and staff can continue to deliver a high standard of service and enable us to meet the needs of our clients.”

Dealing with day to day farm business issues can be extremely stressful and sometimes makes it difficult to think about the future. Due to the current economic climate and market conditions, farm income is declining and inconsistent and in many cases farmers are struggling with cash flow and finding it difficult to meet their liabilities. The pressure of this can have a detrimental effect on the physical and mental health of a person, making it difficult to think clearly. Symptoms of stress include disturbed sleep patterns, changes in appetite, unexplainable aches and pains and it can lead to depression. If you are experiencing stress you may have difficulty with concentration or memory and you might appear irritable or agitated. Sometimes if you are experiencing stress you may feel overwhelmed and isolated. Often telling friends or family can seem impossible.  Rural Support wants to remind individuals that they do not have to face difficult circumstances alone.

Rural Support’s trained staff, volunteers and highly experienced mentors provide support both face-to-face or via a confidential helpline.  They can help to analyse your current farm business position, identify options and explore possible ways forward.  Assistance is available on business finance and debt, succession planning concerns, physical and mental health issues, farming paperwork, technical and enterprise issues and many other issues.  If you do require assistance or are experiencing a challenging period, you are encouraged to contact Rural Support as early as possible so that options can be explored.

To speak to someone in confidence contact our helpline on 0845 606 7 607.  The helpline is available from 8am to 11pm seven days a week (voicemail and support options available at all other times).