Number of Scots farmers seeking help doubles, charity says

The number of farmers calling a Scottish wellbeing charity helpline has doubled, driven up by the cost-of-living crisis and post-Covid isolation.

Scottish farming charity the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi), which offers rural people practical, financial and mental support, said it had extended its contact hours to help more people cope.

Previously it operated a day and evening service, but phone lines were now manned 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. 

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Chief executive Carol McLaren said calls were being received in the middle of the night, and these were often from the most serious cases.

“We are helping people across all age groups cope with anxiety and uncertainty. Farmers in the pig sector, understandably, are among those finding the going especially tough this year,” Ms McLaren said.

But fuel, feed and fertiliser costs have hit all farmers and put many in financial difficulty.

Among a range of grants and other financial packages, Rsabi offers support with domestic fuel bills through its Help for Heating scheme.

Ms McLaren said the scheme had seen a rise in applications, particularly in February this year, when the war in Ukraine caused gas and oil prices to soar.

Rural isolation

Aside from rising costs, the Covid-19 pandemic was still causing serious difficulties with isolation. 

“The world appears to be picking up after the Covid pandemic but we are finding a great many people still worried about receiving visitors,” she added.

“Loneliness is particularly high among older people who have the biggest concerns about Covid and are nervous about re-engaging.”

The charity can offer support through phone calls and visits as well as financial support.

Ms McLaren urged anyone feeling under pressure to contact Rsabi straight away.

“It’s important not to delay things and struggle on. Everybody needs support at some stage in their life and it is best to seek that help early.”

She also stressed that the new helpline is a freephone number, so would not cost anything. And, that it was an entirely anonymous service that would not even show up on a phone bill.