Lincolnshire Farming Charity Records 90% Surge in Helpline Calls
The Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN), a notable charity aiding farmers in the county, reports a 90 per cent increase in calls to its helpline over the past financial year. These calls were primarily related to concerns such as mental health, stress, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. During this period, LRSN logged 171 urgent calls.
Escalating Mental Health Concerns Among Farmers
In its Impact Report, providing an overview of statistics from April 2022 to March 2023, LRSN recorded a 229 per cent rise in stress and mental health cases over the previous five years. Mental health difficulties and stress are increasingly plaguing the rural workforce, prompting the charity to exert efforts to efface the stigma around mental health in the agricultural domain.
"We have recorded a steady increase in calls over the last two years," says Amy Thomas, head of the charity. "We get a variety of ages calling and we mainly support people over 18."
"It varies in terms of the subject people are calling about, mental health and stress is a big one. Loneliness and isolation is a huge concern for the farming industry, it's a lonely job...
LRSN Extending Support with a Growing Volunteer Team
Ms Thomas revealed that LRSN boasts a team of 55 volunteers, including 12 recent additions, to adequately manage the growing scale of calls. The charity employs nine paid members of staff. She emphasizes the critical nature of their work in a rural county like Lincolnshire, where access to services can be a struggle.
"There is still a stigma about mental health in the farming industry, particularly amongst men but we are doing everything we can to tackle this... " said Ms Thomas.
Helpline Availability and Further Assistance
The LRSN helpline is open to any farmers in need, and they also offer one-on-one support and health check events. The charity promotes volunteer involvement to continue providing these vital services. The helpline can be reached at 0800 138 1710, and the charity can also be contacted via email at [email protected].