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FCN – Helpline Volunteer Training

Social Inclusion

We need to provide vital dementia, mental health awareness and suicide training to all helpline and local volunteers.

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About this cause

The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation that provides practical and pastoral support to farmers, farm workers and to farming families during times of stress and difficulty. Our Northampton support group coordinate a confidential helpline which is available 7am-11pm every day of the year. After an initial conversation, callers are put in touch with a local volunteer who will offer support for as long as it is needed. Whether the issue is personal or business-related, volunteers are there to help. Farming can be a very isolating and lonely occupation and many within the farming community have difficulty coming forward and admitting they need help. FCN receives approximately 100-150 calls to its helpline every month.

How this cause brings people in the community together

FCN can help people deal with a variety of issues, such as poor mental health, animal welfare, tenancy issues, relationship breakdowns and bereavements. Suicide rates in farming are among the highest of any occupational group. In the UK, approximately one farmer a week takes their own life. Volunteers spend time helping farmers, supporting them while they put everything back on an even keel.