We've seen a big rise in farming families seeking help
It takes real courage to run the London Marathon, especially in your seventh decade, writes Christine Downes.
Mervin Mullard a wonderful supporter of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution for many years, has raised over £2,000 in sponsorship. He was unfortunate to trip, but picked himself up to complete the run in an excellent time.
RABI is grateful for all the donations received. Recently Longville NFU branch presented £511 which will be used to support farming families in Shropshire. The charity has seen, in 2016, a 67 per cent rise in requests for help from working families.
Farmers, farm workers and their dependants who are going through difficult times, often through no fault of their own, can make a call to the Freephone Helpline on 0808 281 9490. The effects of animal diseases, fluctuating commodity trading, and thoughts on future succession planning all make for a situation of uncertainty. Positive mental health is now recognised as important as physical well being. The support of businesses to raise valuable awareness is welcomed by RABI.
The trained welfare officers can offer guidance, fill out relevant forms, make visits, and organise help for those in need, “Knowing someone cares, who has time to listen, was such a relief to our family,” is just one response. The farmer had been taken ill just before lambing, ‘John’ and his wife ‘Sue’, managed the flock of 250 sheep, as well as the milking with some relief help. A stay in hospital was necessary.
Sue coped for a few days with a neighbour coming to do the morning milking so she could take the children to school. John was not responding to treatment. Sue increasingly worried, rang her sister who had recently been to a fundraising event for RABI and suggested contacting the charity. After a confidential visit a plan was made to enable the family to cope for the short term, the assistant started the following week, with a grant to help toward the wages. However as John is still in hospital, a long term plan may be necessary, and again RABI can help with a business appraisal.
The Shropshire Committee welcomes everyone to a coffee morning at Whitchurch Civic Centre (SY13 1AX) on Friday May 12, from 9.30am to 11.30am, with books, a delicious cake stall, raffle, tombola, and bric-a-brac. Entry is £1 per person.
We will be grateful for funds raised by the Shropshire NFU county chairman’s lunch to be held on Sunday May 21 at the Pavilion, Oswestry Showground - an excellent meal and a chance to get together and chat.
If you would like further information please contact Regional Manager Kate Jones – 07876 492839 or kate.jones@rabi.org.uk
Christine Downes is a committee member of Shropshire RABI
