Responding to the increasing demand from farming people, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is extending its freephone helping this autumn, providing those who need it with a 24-hour service.
The national farming charity believes that a round the clock service will better meet the needs of a sector renowned for working long and unpredictable hours.
“Improving accessibility and ensuring farming people know there is someone to talk to who will understand them, no matter what time it is, is a priority for RABI,” said Alicia Chivers, chief executive of RABI.
“For generations, RABI has provided guidance and support to the farming community. With the challenges facing farming people becoming increasingly diverse and complex, it is crucial that we remove as many barriers to accessing vital help as possible.
“Talking to someone and proactively seeking support is such a positive step and now there will be someone available at any time of the night or day. The 24/7 helpline will remain free for all to access and is an important addition to RABI’s services.”
RABI is employing a progressive strategy of evolution to ensure there is a toolkit of holistic support available as people need it.
Working with partners, the charity recently introduced the online wellbeing platform (www.rabi.org.uk/kooth) and launched a sector-wide research project – The Big Farming Survey.
The Community Pillars Scheme pilots, designed to bring together small forums of local farming people in safe, informal and supported environments will also continue throughout 2021.
For more information go to www.rabi.org.uk
