Shropshire Farming Talk: We are here to support you at all times

The farms that make up and manage this beautiful pastoral scene are run by farmers and their families who toil endlessly in one of the most stressful and isolated occupations which, tragically, has one of the highest rates of suicide in the UK.

 Many of the farms are multigenerational family businesses, often with up to three generations working, and frequently living, together.  

We all know that a family business can be stressful but when you factor in the vagaries of the British weather and the continually changing government regulations along with the dominance of supermarket-controlled prices, family farming really is a demanding, and often thankless, profession.

 Set up some 30 years ago when suicide incidents peaked in this lovely county, Shropshire Rural Support is designed to support farmers, their families and people living and working in the rural community at times of need and despair. 

They cover both business issues and personal matters such as bereavement, loneliness, domestic abuse, succession and divorce. 

Our role is to get those in need to a safe place where they can access the help. 

A self-funding charity, Shropshire Rural Support is run largely by volunteers, most of whom have a farming background with a deep and empathetic understanding the issues of running a farm. 

The charity operates a 24/7 and 365-days-a-week support service via a free phone helpline which ensures that whatever the time-of-day people can readily access this confidential service. 

For those, particularly the younger generation, who prefer to text message rather than talking on a phone, we have recently launched a free confidential 24/7/365 text messaging helpline.

The 24/7/365 free phone support line 0300 123 2825 ensures readily access to this essential confidential service. For those who prefer text messaging,  text SRS to 85258. 

Doing nothing is not an option. If you know of someone you are worried about, please encourage them to get in touch or visit www.shropshireruralsupport.org.uk

For more information contact Shropshire Rural Support on 0300 123 2825 or ruth@shropshireruralsupport.org.uk

by Jane Latter, co-ordinator for Shropshire Rural Support