The Farming Community Network
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in farming and provide support at times of difficulty and change.
FCN has a wide network of volunteers, located throughout England and Wales, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture and therefore have a great understanding of the issues farm workers and farming families regularly face. Our volunteers provide free and confidential support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related. You can learn more about volunteering with FCN here: fcn.org.uk/volunteering
In addition to local groups of volunteers, FCN runs a confidential national helpline (03000 111 999, open 7am-11pm every day of the year) and e-helpline (help@fcn.org.uk).
Our volunteers will “walk with” anyone who seeks support and help them find a positive way through their problems. Each year we help approximately 6,000 people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental ill-health and family disputes.
FCN also operates the FarmWell platform (farmwell.org.uk) – a one-stop shop for information to support your farm business and develop personal resilience.
FCN relies solely on donations and grants in order to continue supporting the farming community. With British farming facing deep uncertainty in the coming years, the workload of FCN volunteers is expected to increase significantly.
We want to ensure people in farming and rural communities have the confidence to talk about suicide, signpost and support others.