Mental health in the countryside

If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice. A list of additional services for mental health can be found listed on the NHS website and those for domestic abuse can be found here. 

Mental Health

Farming and rural community support

The Farming Community Network (FCN)
The FCN is the first port of call for pastoral and practical support for anyone in the farming community, with a particular focus on farmers and farming families. The helpline is available every day of the year, 7am to 11pm. Click here to visit their website.

Farming Safety Foundation/ Yellow Wellies
The Farm Safety Foundation otherwise known as Yellow Wellies are an independent registered charity working throughout the UK to address the attitudes and behaviours to risk-taking and poor mental health in the next generation of farmers (under 40yrs). Click here to visit their website.

Gamekeepers' Welfare Trust

The Gamekeepers' Welfare Trust exists to support gamekeepers, deerstalkers, ghillies/riverkeepers, associated roles, and their family members across the U.K. They work with men, women and children who are in, have been in, or are the family member of someone, in these roles. Click here to visit their website.

Tir Dewi
Tir Dewi support farmers and their families across Wales. Deeply embedded in a network of specialists, Tir Dewi can facilitate the resolution of a number of issues that risk overwhelming farmers. Click here to visit their website.

The YANA Project
The YANA Project provides confidential support, mental health awareness and funding for counselling for those in farming and rural trades in Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcestershire and has compiled, published and funded a directory of regional support groups and key national charities which can specifically help those in the rural communities. Click here to visit their website.

The DPJ Foundation
The DPJ Foundation was set up in July 2016 in Pembrokeshire, supporting those in the agricultural sector. The mental health charity has grown and covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support. The DPJ Foundation works with leading organisations in the sector, including NFU Cymru, FUW, YFC, vets and Welsh Government, to help provide an accessible and flexible service. Click here to visit their website.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)
R.A.B.I offers financial support to farming people of all ages facing hardship. Every application for support is treated on its own merit, working with compassion and discretion. Support is offered on both a short-term and long-term basis, with many becoming ‘full beneficiaries’ of the charity, receiving ongoing payments. Click here to visit their website.

The RSABI
RSABI offers practical and financial support and friendship to more than 600 individuals and their families working on the land in Scotland. Click here to visit their website.

Other charities

Anxiety UK

• A charity that provides support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
• Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
• Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

• A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder
• Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

Mind

• Promoting the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
• Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
• Website: www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans

• Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
• Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
• Website: www.samaritans.org

YoungMinds

• A service for parents and professionals providing information on child and adolescent mental health.
• Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
• Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Rehab Recovery

• Creating inclusive and diverse treatment for all
• Phone: 0800 088 66 86
• Website: www.rehab-recovery.co.uk

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses you are under. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police - the police will continue to respond to emergency calls. 

If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999, then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak. 

For further information, click here. 

• Women's Aid

• Refuge

• Domestic violence and abuse - organisations which give information and advice