23/03/2026
Health Support for Farmers
To talk to a sympathetic person who understands farming and rural life:
CALL 03000 111 999
Calls will be answered in person from 7am to 11pm every day of the year.
I need help with:
Stress
Depression
Isolation
Long term illness
Accidents
Alcohol or drug dependency
How FCN can help with health issues:
Stress
As the problems mount and the solutions seem to become further out of reach, mental stress will simply add to the difficulties and can make even the simplest business decision seem very hard to make.
Depression
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can begin to take over as the stress mounts. This affects both physical and mental health and can affect one’s ability to make decisions.
Isolation
While many urban dwellers look with envy on the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, they lose sight of the fact that farming is a seven-days-of -the-week job and the opportunities for a social life or even a chat with a neighbour can be few and far between. Adding loneliness to your problems does not make them any easier to bear.
Long term illness
Coping with a long term illness is a challenge in itself. It takes a good deal of managing and planning to keep the business functioning as you would like and enable you to feel you still have something to offer.
Accidents
We all know that farming is a dangerous occupation and despite everyone’s best intentions, accidents do happen. The results are devastating not only for the individual concerned but will lead directly to the way the farm business is run and managed.
Alcohol or drug dependency
This is not confined to the young people of the inner cities. This is a real and dangerous problem whoever you are, whatever your age and wherever you live.
Remember:
If you recognise the danger signs of the problems listed (above) or if you have spotted them in someone you know, doing nothing is not an option.
Act now. FCN volunteers will listen and provide support. They can’t provide a cure for all ills but they can point you in the right direction and they can walk with you as you take the steps towards recovery.
There are far too many cases of farmers who feel that they cannot see a future, a way out of their predicament or become overburdened. Please don’t struggle – talk to FCN before you reach that point.
Please call our Helpline 03000 111 999 – we may be able to help.
All calls to the Helpline are treated confidentially and whatever difficulties you face, the first step is to talk to someone.
If you would like further information and support please contact Ashfields on 01270 446560 or email David.crosthwaite@nhs.net
