Rural Support

Who is Rural Support?

Rural Support is the farm support charity for Northern Ireland. The charity offers confidential support through its Support line which is the main point of contact to access other services. Free impartial guidance is available to all farm family members through a wide range of programmes and services to help farmers and farm families build sustainable farm businesses and develop better wellbeing. The Support line is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm, and you can reach them by calling freephone, 0800 138 1678 or by emailing farmsupport@ruralsupport.org.uk

Rural Support are specialists in farm business mentoring and can offer support with farm finance management succession planning and business management. Rural Support can also offer crisis mentoring and emotional support for all farm families, no matter how big or small an issue is. Some examples include :
 

Farm accidents

Following a farm accident, Rural Support can:

• Work through a plan for the farm business
• Offer counselling support to family members
• Be that listening ear
• Provide peer support from others similarly impacted

Financial Concerns

With rising costs, reduced margins or TB closure, Rural Support can:

• Help work towards a plan to ensure the business can move forward profitably and bills can be paid.
• Identify any areas for technical improvement

Bereavement

This may be from death by suicide, sudden or expected death, Rural Support can:

• Provide counselling support if required
• Provide emotional support 
• Help work out a plan for the business and family going forward
• Help work through the barriers that often arise following an unexpected death or where there hasn't been a will
• Offer peer group activities and celebration events

For more information on Rural Support’s services, click here ruralsupport.org.uk/.