National charities The Farming Community Network (FCN), Addington Fund and Forage Aid highlighted the pressures British farmers are under – stressing the need for increased collaboration from the charity sector – during a reception held under the banner of ‘Farming Help’ at the House of Lords, London on Tuesday 7 June.
With policy changes, high input costs, reduction of subsidies and labour shortages – in addition to many other issues farmers deal with on a day-to-day basis – the charities are working together to ensure farmers have access to support to address a wide range of issues and challenges in the months and years to come.
Farming Help is an alliance between the three national charities committed to supporting farmers and farm families in the UK. The charities, working together, can assist with the following areas:
- Wellbeing support
- Family relationship issues
- Animal welfare worries
- Feed and bedding support
- Disaster relief
- Financial concerns
- Retirement
- Housing
- Support for new entrants
- Support for farm workers
Since launching Farming Help has facilitated its members to work together more closely, including a joined-up approach to campaigns, personnel crossover, show presence, projects and collaborative training.
With the growing complexity of cases the charities are supporting on, and an anticipated increase in the number of farmers needing help, the Farming Help charities coordinated this reception to highlight how they can help ease the burden and support farmers through the changes ahead.
The reception also shows solidarity with farmers and people in rural communities in Ukraine affected by the ongoing war, which has impacted global supply chains and production.
Farming Help is supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund as a leading example of collaboration from farming support organisations.
The charities will have a joined-up presence at some agricultural shows and events including receptions at the Royal Cornwall and Royal Cheshire shows.
You can contact Farming Help on 03000 111 999 (7am-11pm every day, operated by The Farming Community Network).
Find out more about Farming Help: www.farminghelp.co.uk