Farming and Rural Support

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Rural Communities

Working in agriculture and rural business can be rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges - long hours, isolation, financial pressures, and unpredictable conditions. Breckland Council is committed to supporting the wellbeing of our farming and rural communities.

Where to Get Help

YANA (You Are Not Alone):

Help for those involved in agriculture and other rural businesses affected by stress and depression.

Helpline: 0300 323 0400
E-mail: helpline@yanahelp.org
Website: Visit the YANA website for more information on rural mental health support. (opens new window)

Farming Community Network

Practical support for farmers and families, including business and personal resilience.

Helpline: 03000 111 999
E-mail: help@fcn.org.uk
Website: Visit the Farming Community Network website for details on information and support available. (opens new window)

Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies

Provide a range of support for people with common mental health and emotional issues, such as low mood, depression or stress. We work with you to help you make the necessary changes to improve your wellbeing and quality of life.

Qwell in Association with The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)

Online wellbeing and mental health support for farming people.

Visit the Kooth website to access immediate support (opens new window)

Crisis Support

If you need an emergency service call 999 - (e.g. someone's life is at risk or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe) If firearms are involved, ALWAYS call the Police.

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, call 111 and select option 2. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
You can also call your GP

Free listening services

These services offer confidential support from trained volunteers. You can talk about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:

Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans
Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line

Rural and Farming Resources

Addington Fund

Emergency relief and housing for families in England and Wales who must leave the industry and therefore lose their home, through no fault of their own.

Call them or send an email and to discuss your situation in full confidence.

The Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies)

Established by NFU Mutual, the Farm Safety Foundation is an independent charity to help young farmers challenge their behaviours and change their attitude to farm safety.

Download resources from the Farm Safety Foundation website (opens new window) including:

The Little Book of Farm Safety
The Little Book of Minding Your Head
Build Your Own Health and Safety Policy
Farm Emergency Plan
Farm Safety Checklist
A Guide for Young Farmers
A Guide for Parents
A Guide for Temporary Workers

E-mail: Farm_Safety_Foundation@nfumutual.co.uk

Additional Support

Contact a Welfare Officer

Breckland Council Welfare Officers undertake a holistic assessment of needs and offer information, guidance and signposting to organisations who are well placed to provide the support someone needs.

If you are unsure which organisations could help you, we can support you to access the right services for your circumstances.

Call: 01362 656870

Complete ourWelfare Support Referral Form (opens new window).

Contact a Rural Business Advisor

We're the only council to have a dedicated Rural Business Advisor, Phil Garnham, who truly understands the issues faced by rural businesses. Offering advice on funding, finance, and connecting businesses with helpful networks.

Contact Phil:

E-mail: phil.garnham@breckland.gov.uk

Call: 01362 656870