GUEST BLOG: Alex Phillimore of The Farming Community Network

Alex Phillimore is the Head of Communications and Development for The Farming Community Network (FCN). His colleagues, Josie and Jim, represented FCN at our Supporting Each Other Through Loss event in Barrow in October 2022. Given the rural nature of so many Cumbrian communities, with farming families at their heart, we thought it would be worth finding out and sharing more about this organisation.

How and when did FCN start?

FCN was founded in 1995 under the name The Farm Crisis Network by Christopher Jones MBE, who is now our Honorary President. It was set up as a joint venture between the Agricultural Christian Fellowship (ACF) and Germinate: The Arthur Rank Centre in response to an awareness that farmers could be more socially isolated and had increased financial uncertainty. We also recognised that many were likely to have inherited a tendency towards stoicism, avoiding asking for support from others.

In 2013, The Farm Crisis Network changed its name to The Farming Community Network, emphasising the importance of getting in touch with our charity and other forms of help and support before reaching a crisis point.

What are the aims of the organisation?

We “walk with” farmers and members of the farming community in times of difficulty. We are here to support and work with everyone who seeks our help.

And how does FCN achieve those aims?

FCN has over 400 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.

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 will 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 and our volunteers have supported a number of families affected by suicide.

FCN also operates the FarmWell platform (farmwell.org.uk) – a one-stop shop for information to support your farm business and develop personal resilience. We take a proactive approach in supporting farmers’ health and wellbeing, including through campaigns, research, developing useful publications and other projects.

What support do you offer to those suffering with poor mental health or grief from bereavement? And for those bereaved by suicide?

FCN provides a vital listening ear. We support people who are struggling, whether the issue is business-related or personal, and try and help them find a positive way forward. We speak the language of farmers and understand the unique pressures and challenges that come with farming.

How could someone who is struggling access this support?

FCN can be contacted via our helpline 03000 111 999 (7am-11pm, 365 days a year) as well as our e-helpline (help@fcn.org.uk). We have local volunteer caseworkers in many counties in England and Wales who can also provide in-person support. Our regional map is available here: https://fcn.org.uk/your-local-fcn-team/

What is your presence like in and around Cumbria? (North Lancashire and Dumfries and Galloway are also included in SBS)

We have an active group in Cumbria that covers the county up to the Scottish borders.  FCN work closely with RSABI (originally founded as the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution but today known by just its initials) who operate throughout Scotland so no farming family is without support available to them should they need it. 

Our team of volunteers are present in the county and are there to listen, support and “walk with” anyone who requests their assistance and where appropriate.  They work tirelessly raising awareness about the work of FCN at auction marts, agricultural shows, attending industry meetings and having a presence wherever required – look out for them when you are out and about. 

Our staff team of regional support is there to reinforce the work of these volunteers and develop the work of the charity and the FCN Regional Lead for the North is Georgina Lamb, contactable via georgina@fcn.org.uk.

Why did you get involved, working with FCN on its communications?

I’m not from a farming background so there has been a steep learning curve when coming into agriculture. I am a firm believer that we need farming to be an attractive industry to everyone, including people who haven’t been born into a farming family and may have had limited exposure to farming. Bridging that gap between urban and rural, and highlighting the benefits of careers in agriculture, will help to create a thriving industry that welcomes new ideas and innovations. 

A previous role saw me working in communications around occupational safety and health, where I learned about the unique challenges involved in farming and the wider agricultural industry. Having supported on a number of farm safety campaigns around both physical and mental health, I felt passionate about joining FCN and playing a role in trying to create a healthier, safer working environment for farmers.

What resources or materials do you make available?

We have a wide range of publications including our Fit for Farming booklet (https://farmwell.org.uk/fit-for-farming-2/), The Journey Ahead (https://fcn.org.uk/the-journey-ahead/) and our Sir Port Children’s Book (https://fcn.org.uk/sir-port/). These are designed specifically with farmers in mind and have received input from industry specialists.

Our FarmWell platform (farmwell.org.uk) is a free online resource that provides information around a wide variety of topics in easy-to-understand language. Topics include succession planning, dementia support and physical health and wellbeing.

What are your most effective communications channels?

FCN is very active on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram (@FCN). We increasingly find that many farmers use these platforms and engage with our content through them – whether we’re highlighting new campaigns or projects, or we’re thanking people for their amazing awareness raising activities, we find social media very useful in raising the profile of the charity.

We also host a range of in-person events with farmers and have a strong presence at marts, markets and agricultural shows. We can’t underestimate the importance of face-to-face chats with people.

How are you funded?

FCN relies solely on donations and grants 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.

Are there specific ways that someone could raise money to fund your work?

Details about donating to FCN can be found here: https://fcn.org.uk/donate/

We are grateful that many individuals and organisations choose to support FCN in a variety of ways. Fundraisers have included daring climbs of Kilimanjaro, world-record sheep shearing attempts and Christmas tractor runs. We welcome businesses, individuals, Young Farmers’ Clubs and others reaching out to FCN and speaking to us about ideas for fundraising for the charity. Donations really do allow us to keep doing what we do.

How do you recruit volunteers and for what sort of roles?

Volunteers are often recruited locally through connections and networking, although some people express an interest in volunteering via our website. Many of our volunteers are people who we have helped, or whose families have benefited from our help. You can learn more about volunteering with FCN, and read some volunteer stories, here: https://fcn.org.uk/volunteering

What skills or knowledge are you looking for?

Our volunteers all bring something unique to FCN. Their knowledge and experience of agriculture makes them uniquely qualified to speak to farmers who may be struggling or under pressure. FCN volunteers are often the first port of call when someone recognises the need to ask for help or support. If you are passionate about farming and agriculture and want to give something back, get in touch!

If we wanted to tell a friend about the support you offer, how would you sum it up?

FCN is here to help everyone in agriculture. If you are struggling, worried about someone or could just use a chat, don’t bottle it up. A problem shared is a problem halved. We’re here to help and have been called a ‘lifeline’ and a ‘trusted friend’ by those we have supported.