A Soar in Demand for Rural Support Services Highlights Struggles in Agriculture
The farming and rural community have come a long way in being able to talk openly about mental health, but the attitude that it is separate from physical health, or not real because ‘it’s just all in your head’ is still out there.
Kevin Doherty, CEO of Rural Support, described 2024 as “a year of immense stress and uncertainty for the farming community.”
He added: “Global economic pressures, prolonged low prices, and policy shifts such as changes to Agricultural Property Relief have created a perfect storm for farmers.
“These challenges are taking a significant toll not only on their business but on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
“Rural Support have seen a sharp rise in demand for our services which indicates just how critical the situation has become.”
The ‘Farm Support Charity for Northern Ireland’ has recently reported a 55% increase in demand for its counselling services this year, alongside a 13% rise in calls to its Support Line.
These numbers reflect a sector in distress, with farmers grappling with intense financial pressures, isolation, and policy uncertainties.
While many look forward to the festive season, it often amplifies hardship for farming families already under pressure.
Gyles Dawson, Director of Programmes at Rural Support, noted that financial difficulties and social isolation can make this time of year particularly difficult.
He said: “For some, Christmas highlights what they don’t have, whether it’s financial stability, social connection, or hope for the future.
“This is why Rural Support is doubling down on efforts to ensure no farmer feels alone during this challenging period.
The charity provides confidential counselling, practical support and guidance as well as a listening ear for those in need. “Our message is clear, ‘we’re here for you!”
The organisation’s mission is to create a strong, resilient and healthy farming community, offering services that address both personal and business challenges. For many farmers, this support has been the difference between coping and collapse.
Rural Support is now calling on the wider community to recognise the vital role farmers play and to support initiatives aimed at addressing their challenges.
Kevin Doherty added: “Farming is the backbone of our rural economy and community. But right now, that backbone is under immense strain.
“To help ease this pressure, Rural Support are delivering a new programme entitled ‘Farming for the Generations’ which includes succession planning strategies, legal considerations, family communication approaches, and information on support services available.
“Remember, Rural Support is here to help, but we need collective action to ensure the sustainability of this crucial farming sector.”
Farming for the Generations pilot scheme is funded under the DAERA Farm Support and Development Programme.
For more information on this programme please contact Rural Support on 028 8676 0040 or email farmgenerations@ruralsupport.org.uk
Rural Support’s freephone Support Line 0800 138 1678 has become a vital lifeline, operating from Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm.
It will also remain available throughout the Christmas period to ensure help is always accessible.
You can also visit the Rural Support website:
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About Rural Support.
Rural Support was established in 2002 and provides a range of services for farmers and farming families across Northern Ireland including a support line. It also provides face-to-face support through its mentoring programme, help with sourcing information and advice about a wide range of issues:
The support line (0800 138 1678) is available 9am-9pm, Monday to Friday (voicemail and options available at all other times. Freephone from all UK landlines and mobiles).
Rural Support co-ordinates the Social Farming Support Service for Northern Ireland, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Rural Support provides free business, financial and technical mentoring from its dedicated team. It also runs a series of training workshops under the Royal Countryside Fund Resilience Programme and delivers ‘Coping with the Pressures of Farming’ under the CAFRE Family Farm Key Skills Programme.
Life Beyond is a joint programme between Rural Support, Northern Ireland and Embrace FARM, Republic of Ireland.
It provides practical business, financial and technical mentoring support to farming families who have experienced loss – whether through bereavement or survival from a farm accident.
Rural Support also provides counselling and trauma support in the form of one-to-one mentoring and peer-to-peer group support.
‘Across the Hedgerow’ is a befriending scheme for lonely and isolated people from farming families and is delivered by Rural Support.
Plough On is a social connection project for older farmers who are isolated and lonely and is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
Rural Support is a registered charity with various income streams from government, philanthropic and corporate support. These include DAERA, Public Health Agency, NFU Charitable Trust, Royal Countryside Fund as well as donations from the general public.
