Rural Charity Encourages Supporters to Put Their Best Boot Forward for Wellies to Work Day 2016

Building on the success of the first Wellies to Work Day last year, which encompassed over 600 tweets, the awareness initiative calls on the public to put their best ‘boot’ forward by wearing their wellingtons to work and taking to Twitter to upload snaps and selfies of themselves to show their support for Rural Support.

Launched with CSR partner, local wind energy company, Simple Power, the initiative aims to be bigger and better this year, welcoming on board Ulster Farmers’ Union as an additional supporter. Through the social media campaign, the charity aims to build momentum using the hashtag #WelliesToWork and raise the profile of Rural Support amongst the rural and farming community in Northern Ireland.

Rural Support Chief Executive, Jude McCann, emphasised the need for increased awareness of the charity throughout Northern Ireland: “With mounting pressure on farmers and constant new challenges facing the rural community, the need for our services is greater than ever. We are delighted to run this campaign for the second year and make more people aware that help is available through our dedicated helpline - 0845 606 7 607. We would urge anyone from the farming and rural community who is struggling to cope to avail of this valuable service and speak to our highly experienced staff and volunteers.

“With leading businesses and government Ministers involved last year, we would encourage even more people across Northern Ireland to participate in the fun initiative by simply wearing their wellies to work on Friday 3rd June 2016, taking a selfie of themselves and their colleagues in their wellington boots and posting the photo using the hashtag #WelliesToWork with the message ‘Supporting @RuralSupport.’ The most creative selfie will also win a fantastic prize, courtesy of Simple Power.”

Simple Power Chief Executive, Philip Rainey, emphasised the importance of raising the charity’s profile amongst the farming and rural community at this time; “We are proud to be working with Rural Support to launch the second ‘Wellies To Work’ day and raise awareness of the important services the charity provides. Simple Power is a key partner to the farming and rural community and we are acutely aware of the increasing pressures and difficulties many individuals and families are facing. We would encourage everyone to get behind this important campaign to grow on last year’s success and show support for the hard working charity. We have worked with Rural Support for the last three years to ensure the much needed charity services are being availed of by those who need it most.”

Wesley Aston, Chief Executive of Ulster Farmers Union, commented, “We are delighted to be on board to support the second ‘Wellies to Work’ campaign and help raise awareness of the farming charity Rural Support. Members of the agriculture sector are under extreme stress and pressure, with financial concerns and long hours, and we are thankful to Rural Support for the helpline and listening service they provide for our community. We are calling on the public to get their wellies on for the social media campaign on Friday 3rd June and spread awareness of their vital services available across Northern Ireland.”

Since 2002, Rural Support has been helping farming and rural families across Northern Ireland on a wide range of issues, from physical and mental health, farming paperwork and financial issues. The charity provides support for the rural community through a helpline offering listening and signposting service.