Helplines Awareness Day Gets Backing Of Rural Support
Rural Support, the farm support charity dedicated to strengthening the wellbeing and resilience of farmers, farm families and rural communities across Northern Ireland, marks Helplines Awareness Day (23rd February).
They are a proud member of the Helplines Partnership — the UK’s membership body championing high-quality helpline services that offer support, understanding and direction when it is needed most –
Helplines Awareness Day is a UK-wide campaign to spotlight the invaluable — and often unseen — work that helplines provide across the country.
Many people employed and working in the farming community within the rural sector are facing difficult times and Rural Support is there for them.
The Helplines awareness Day recognises the countless hours that trained volunteers and staff dedicate to offering listening ears, information, signposting and practical help to people experiencing distress, crisis, isolation or uncertainty.
For those working in agriculture, these pressures are often intensified. Farming is a profession marked by long hours, unpredictable conditions and ongoing financial uncertainty — factors that can take a significant toll on both mental health and overall wellbeing.
Through its confidential Support Line and wrap-around support services, Rural Support engages with approximately 2,000 individuals and families each year, providing tailored emotional, business and practical assistance to help farmers and farm families navigate the unique challenges of farming life.
In recent years, demand for Rural Support services has continued to rise, with increases in calls to its confidential Support Line, and greater need for one-to-one mentoring and support.
Its on-farm mentoring service has helped individuals demonstrate an average 58% improvement in mental wellbeing, and for many, reaching out to Rural Support is the first step they take toward getting help.
Rural Support’s services go beyond crisis management. With trained mentors and counsellors, the charity provides business support, financial guidance, technical mentoring and emotional health interventions — helping farmers navigate complex challenges that affect both their farm operations and personal wellbeing.
Crisis support is available through a confidential Support Line, staffed by experienced professionals who understand the realities of farming life.
Gyles Dawson, Director of Programmes at Rural Support, said: “Helplines Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to highlight just how vital helplines — and specifically Rural Support’s programmes — are to farming communities.
“Farmers face unique pressures every day, from financial uncertainty to isolation and emotional strain. Our Support Line offers a lifeline at moments of need, improving wellbeing and strengthening farm businesses.
“We know that for too many people, making that first call can be the hardest step — but it’s also the one that can start a real journey of support, resilience and recovery.”
Rural Support remains committed to its vision of a vibrant, healthy and resilient farming community, working every day to provide accessible, confidential and compassionate support for anyone facing challenges in rural life.
For more information about Rural Support and how to access help, visit:
and click ‘Get Help’ or call the freephone confidential Support Line on 0800 138 1678.
