National support | Wellbeing support | Grants and other support
Life in farming and rural communities can be rewarding but it also comes with unique pressures.
If you're a farmer, farm worker, partner or family member and things feel overwhelming, please know you're not alone.
There are people who understand what you're going through and there is support is out there whenever you need it.
Many of the organisations listed below offer a range of support and are not always limited to the headings they fall under. Check their websites for further information.
National support
Farming Community Network (FCN)
FCN offers free, confidential support to farmers and their families. Their volunteers understand farming life and can help with emotional wellbeing and practical problems.
Phone: 03000 111 999 (7am to 11pm daily)
Email: help@fcn.org.uk
Website: fcn.org.uk
RABI – The Farmers’ Charity
RABI supports farming people with welfare visits, emergency grants and wellbeing projects. They’re here when times are tough and can help you find the right services.
Phone: 0800 188 4444 (24/7 Freephone)
Email: help@rabi.org.uk
Website: rabi.org.uk
Samaritans
If you need someone to talk to, a Samaritan will listen. There are also many other ways to speak to a Samaritan – you can meet someone in person, write to them, or send an email.
Phone: 116 123 (the helpline is free to call and available 24 hours)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: Contact a Samaritan
NFU Mental Health Directory
The National Farmers’ Union has a directory of mental health support tailored to the farming community. It’s a great place to find local help and advice.
Wellbeing support
Many farming industry websites offer practical tips and links to local support. These resources are made for farmers and can help you manage your mental health during difficult times.
Len’s Light
Raises awareness on the mental health and suicide issues faced by the rural community, with a focus on positive mental health.
Website: lenslight.co.uk
Shout and Hawkstone
The pressures of farming can leave people feeling isolated and overwhelmed, but Shout offers a free, 24/7 text messaging service to support anyone struggling to cope. To start a conversation and get the help you need:
Text: HAWKSTONE to 85258 (24/7 confidential support)
Yellow Wellies
An independent registered charity working throughout the UK to address the attitudes and behaviours to farm safety and poor mental health in the next generation of farmers (under 40yrs).
Phone: 01789 455 198
Website: yellowwellies.org
Turning Point
Whether you come to us with drug or alcohol issues, a mental health concern, or a learning disability, Turning Point will give you the individual support you need.
Phone: 0808 800 3302 (Leicestershire Crisis Helpline)
Email: Leicestershire.Helpline@turning-point.co.uk
Website: turning-point.co.uk
Papyrus
Hopeline247 offers free, confidential support to children and young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or to anyone concerned about them. Their trained advisers provide a safe space to talk and help explore what might be affecting your ability to stay safe.
Phone: 0800 068 4141
Text: 88247
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website: papyrus-uk.org
Grants and other support
Addington Fund
An emergency fund that supports farmers whose businesses are affected by extreme weather, illness, accidents, or animal disease outbreaks like Foot and Mouth, Avian Flu, and Swine Fever. Through their Forage Aid fund and trusted suppliers, they can deliver essential supplies such as feed, hay, straw, and silage when severe weather hits.
Phone: 01926 620 135
Email: enquiries@addingtonfund.org.uk
Website: addingtonfund.org.uk
John Longwill Agricultural Scheme
The scheme supports agriculture in Leicestershire by offering grants and loans to farmers, young farmers’ clubs, and students planning to farm in the county. It helps with education costs, farming operations, and promoting agricultural development locally.
Phone: 0116 262 6052
Email: law@shbsolicitors.co.uk
NFYFC (National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs)
The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is a rural youth organisation supporting young people in agriculture and countryside communities across England and Wales. It does not include Young Farmers’ Clubs from Scotland or Ireland.
Phone: 0247 685 7200
Email: post@nfyfc.org.uk
Website: nfyfc.org.uk
Support for families and partners
If you’re supporting someone in farming, it’s okay to ask for help too:
- Reach out to farming charities for advice and support
- Talk to a counsellor or join a peer group for farming families
Remember: looking after yourself helps you support others.
Start a conversation
You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re struggling or want to help someone else, starting a conversation could be the first step to feeling better.