You are not alone.
It’s a common phrase and one that has even inspired the name of East Anglian charity YANA, but it is also one that is easy to dismiss and often difficult to accept when you are struggling.
How can sharing what you’re feeling possibly help? More than you realise. Reaching out is the first step on a journey, but it’s an important and vital start.
Family and friends can be a lifeline, certainly, but sometimes we need someone who doesn’t know us personally. Someone behind a screen (or a phone) who can listen without judgement and who isn’t going to carry that knowledge with them.
Millions of people have reached out to charities for help. And while each individual situation is different, the need to be heard, to seek support, and receive it, is not.
So, who can help? Reassuringly, in agriculture, we have charities and organisations who will be there when it matters the most. Below is a list of a few farming charities and support lines available. They know farming, have a wealth of experience, understanding and compassion, and want to help – whether you are experiencing suicidal thoughts yourself, or whether you are worried about someone else.
Samaritans
CALL: 116 123
Opening times: 24/7
Visit: samaritans.org
Did you know: Samaritans offer a range of services, supporting those struggling with suicidal thoughts through the power of connection. Their helpline is manned by volunteers who are always there to listen … in fact they answer a call every 10 seconds.
Papyrus HOPELINE247
CALL: 0800 068 4141 or TEXT 88247
Opening times: 24/7
Visit: papyrus-uk.org
Did you know: Specifically for younger people (under the age of 35), this amazing charity is working tirelessly to prevent suicide and promote positive mental wellbeing. Their HOPELINE247 provides confidential support and practical advice for young people facing suicidal thoughts, or for anyone concerned for a young person. Their website is also full of helpful resources and advice.
Shout
TEXT: 85258
Opening times: 24/7
Did you know: 85258 – did you realise that’s just up and down the middle of your keypad! When you’re struggling, making a phone call can seem daunting – we get it. The Royal Foundation of the Prince & Princess of Wales recognised this too, which is why they supported the creation of Mental Health Innovations in 2017, the charity that went on to develop Shout. Shout launched in 2019 and gives you the option to text if you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone. Even better, if you text the word ‘HAWKSTONE’, you can receive farming specific support and advice.
Lifeline (Northern Ireland)
CALL: 0808 808 8000
Opening times: 24/7
Visit: lifelinehelpline.info
Did you know: Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s crisis support helpline and is available for anyone experiencing crisis, struggling with their mental wellbeing or worried about someone else. Lifeline’s phones are manned by trained counsellors who can provide help and support, whatever your needs.
NHS Emergency services
CALL: 999
Opening times: 24/7
Did you know: For crisis or life-threatening situations always call 999 and ask for ambulance. Emergency staff are trained to deal with mental health crises and will be able to provide immediate support.
Hub of Hope
Opening times: 24/7
Visit: hubofhope.co.uk
Did you know: The UK’s largest mental health support directory, Hub of Hope is a resource we should all be aware of. If you do nothing else today, visit their website to see the wealth of resources they have available. Whether you are looking for support for a younger person, adult, crisis support or help with a specific condition, the Hub of Hope has you covered.
Not a crisis situation, but worried about your mental health, or that of a family member, friend or workmate?
Sometimes it can help to talk to someone who really gets the unique stressors we face. So why not reach out to the farming charities operating across the four nations…
RABI (England and Wales):
CALL: 0800 188 4444
Opening times: 24/7
Visit: rabi.org.uk
Did you know: From hardship grants to mental health support, RABI have been serving and supporting the farming community for almost 150 years! Their support line is open 24/7 and their innovative Click & Chat service allows you to access anonymous, text-based counselling, chat groups, and helpful resources.
FCN (England and Wales):
CALL: 03000 111 999
Opening times: 7am – 11pm
Visit: fcn.org.uk
Did you know: FCNs confidential helpline is manned by their volunteers who provide free, confidential support and advice. They support over 10,000 people every year and can help with a range of areas from financial worries and tenancy issues to mental health concerns, relationship pressures and day‑to‑day farming challenges.
Rural Support (Northern Ireland):
CALL: 0800 138 1678
Opening times: 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday
Visit: ruralsupport.org.uk
Did you know: Rural Support provide a wealth of support and guidance for farmers across Northern Ireland. From a free helpline to business support and emergency funds to online resources and funded programmes, there is practically nothing this wonderful team can’t help you with.
RSABI (Scotland):
CALL: 0808 1234 555
Opening times: 24/7
Visit: rsabi.org.uk
Did you know: With their freephone and webchat manned 24/7, RSABI are always available to support farmers and crofters across Scotland. As well as supporting those who might be struggling with their mental wellbeing, or are worried about someone else, RSABI have a range or resources, training and grants available.
DPJ Foundation (Wales):
CALL: 0800 587 4262
Opening times: 24/7
Visit: thedpjfoundation.co.uk
Did you know: From humble beginnings in Pembrokeshire in 2018, DPJ is going from strength to strength providing mental health support and awareness throughout Wales. Their counselling referral service, Share The Load, has already supported over 1,000 farmers across Wales and their website is jam packed with useful information including how to support those bereaved by suicide.
Of course, how could we forget to mention our Little Book of Minding Your Head?
Not only is it full of hints, tips and tricks for looking after your own mental health and supporting those around you, but it includes a directory of all national and regional farming charities that are available to help.
