Ryedale Show: Help available in a farming crisis (From Gazette & Herald)

Ryedale Show: Help available in a farming crisis

2:39pm Wednesday 1st August 2012 in Farming news

FARMERS may be thought of as rather stoical,sturdy types who can well look after themselves.

But behind the scenes it can be quite a different situation – as Farm Crisis Network knows only too well.

It was the first time the group had taken a stand at the Ryedale Show with its eyecatching leaflets headlined “Am I really as tough as old boots – I don’t think so.”

The network, which has a special helpline, could be described as the equivalent in the farming world of The Samaritans as all calls and issues are dealt with in strictest confidence.

But a key task of the network is to persuade farmers and their families to seek help and support long before they actually do so – often because of pridide in not wanting to admit they need some kind of help.

Helen Benson, the network’s co-ordinator for Yorkshire, explained how they provided pastoral and practical support for as long as it was needed and were there to help farming families find a positive way forward.

“It is reasonably quiet at the moment but that is often the case when there is something immediate that is happening in the industry - such as the dairy crisis and so on.

“Too often it is further down the line when we get the call for support and we are anxious to promote the fact that people can and should come to us as soon as possible so we can help them effectively,” she said.

“Farming is an increasingly lonely occupation and people leave their problems for too long before seeking help,” she added.