Farming Help – supporting our farming community in accessing relevant help and support

In March 2025 the Farming Help charities (The Farming Community Network and Addington Fund) launched a survey seeking the views of UK farmers, helping to ensure our support and services continue to meet the evolving needs of farming people. The survey asked a range of questions, including areas where farmers would like more information, guidance and support – both from charities and the wider agricultural sector.

Following more than 460 responses to the survey, we have gained some important insights into the areas where people feel they would benefit from additional information. This includes financial assistance, succession planning guidance, access to business advice and assistance with legal matters.

The Farming Help charities are here to support farmers and farming families in exploring their options and planning ahead.

Addington Fund is a niche farming charity working across England and Wales to provide:

• Housing for farmers faced with the loss of their homes through no fault of their own

• Emergency relief, through Forage Aid, when disaster strikes

• A New Entrant Scheme, with the aim of giving first generation farmers the opportunity to take the first step on the farming ladder

In 2024 Addington Fund received 189 requests for grants and housing.

The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation that supports farmers and families within the farming community through difficult times. FCN runs a confidential national helpline and e-helpline, which is open every day of the year from 7am-11pm, and has approximately 400 volunteers who can provide in-person support, ‘walking with’ people.

Each year FCN volunteers donate over 9,000 hours on its helpline supporting farming people. Through local case work, FCN helps over 2,000 people a year. FCN’s FarmWell website also contains a wide variety of information around topics such as succession planning, business and personal resilience and change management.

Both charities are united in encouraging people to reach out for help and support sooner rather than later. We have a track record of helping people to find a positive outcome whilst retaining their dignity – and we are keen to get involved and help people before they reach a point of crisis.

Through the Farming Help website and this article, we can signpost readers to a wide range of support available, including the Farming Help helpline – 03000 111 999.

Training and Skills

One key area raised in the survey is a growing demand for support around access to training and skills development. There are great organisations in the sector, such as Lantra or The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH), offering a wide variety of opportunities to learn new things and to stay abreast of innovations in the sector.

The Farming Advice Service offers technical and business advice on regulations that apply to farming. The Welsh Government offers similar guidance through Farming Connect.

Financial Assistance and Grants

Another area identified is access to financial assistance and grants. There are many sources of support available in this area. DEFRA has a helpful page on rural grants and payments. Near the top of the webpage you can request emails on this topic, which is a great way to stay updated on developments and what is available.

Welsh farmers can use the Farming Connect eligibility checker to determine what support they qualify for.

Addington Fund will consider applications from those whose livelihoods have been directly affected by extreme weather, certain animal diseases, accident or illnesses and who are unable to sell livestock.

Charities such as RABI also offer a range of financial support and grants. RSABI in Scotland offers grants, including financial support for essential items and help for heating.

Community events

There are a wide variety of opportunities available to speak with like-minded individuals. FCN hosts FarmWell events, designed to bring our farming community together to address issues of loneliness and isolation. The Farming Forum is a bustling online community that is very supportive and engages in topical discussions. Farmers Guardian host a range of networking events throughout the year.

Many counties have a Rural Hub and there may be organisations who arrange local events to provide friendship or entertainment events to relieve isolation. The Royal Countryside Fund publishes a directory of Farm and Rural Support groups.

Mental Health and Counselling Support

FCN is here to listen and support our farming community through any issues, both personal and business-related. Mental ill-health, stress and anxiety are often a component of calls and cases we support on, and our volunteer network does important work supporting people though issues both personal and business-related. FCN offers Wellbeing Support for the Agricultural Community training, for those looking to learn more about mental and physical wellbeing and looking after ourselves and others.

There is support including mental health training and counselling available from charities such as YANA, RABI and the DPJ Foundation. Yellow Wellies also provides Farm Safety training. We encourage you to reach out and learn more about these charities and how they support farming people.

Succession Planning

Succession planning can be a difficult and emotive topic in farming, and one that is often avoided. But succession planning is incredibly important for the long-term viability of a farm business, and in helping to ‘pass to the torch’ on. Thankfully there is support available. FCN volunteers can act as a neutral third party, offering an objective perspective. There may be times where sitting around the kitchen table with a family and helping to facilitate a discussion could be beneficial.

Charities such as Rural Support in Northern Ireland offer information and support around succession planning, as well as many other topics, through Farm Business Mentors. Rural Support also provides impartial guidance for farmers and farm family members in support of their farm business and personal wellbeing. NFU Mutual offers help around developing a handover plan and opportunities to speak with financial experts. Farmers Weekly has a wide variety of guides around different elements of succession planning, such as tax, legal and practical matters.

Summary

If there are worries about present circumstances or the future, there is no shame in speaking with any charity. The Farming Help charities are available to talk to in confidence. Farming Help can be contacted on 03000 111 999. Calls will be answered in person from 7am-11pm every day of the year.