NFU Scotland: remember help is at hand
Scottish farmers facing hardship this winter are being reminded that help is available.
NFU Scotland and Scottish charity RSABI have teamed up to remind farmers that free, confidential help and advice is available to them.
“After the appalling weather that has plagued Scotland’s farmers during 2012, we know there are farming families out there struggling to cope,” said RSABI chief executive Maurice Hankey, speaking at the NFUS Christmas press briefing.
“RSABI can help, but we can only do so if people get in touch with us, and discuss the problems they are experiencing. We guarantee confidentiality; we understand what they are going through and after this summer and autumn, no one should feel reluctant to seek help, but we need them to initiate the contact, either directly to RSABI or through our Gatepost helpline.”
NFUS president Nigel Miller said: “Financial pressures, bereavement or illness can all generate intolerable strain that affects the family and households of those who live and work in the countryside. We want to reassure them that help and assistance is at hand.”
• The confidential Gatepost helpline – 0300 111 4166 – is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
• RSABI is a Scottish charity dedicated to the relief of hardship and poverty among people who depend on the land for their livelihoods. More information is available at www.rsabi.org.uk