The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a UK-based voluntary organisation and charity that farmers and farming families can go to for guidance on a broad range of concerns that people working in the rural community can face.
Hampshire-based egg producer Sam Burge has been a local volunteer with FCN for 10 years.
“I benefited from a lot of advice and guidance as I’ve developed our farming business. And I still
seek the opinion of others all these years later, as this industry never stands still, we’re all busy, and it can be nigh on impossible to keep up with everything and balance family/downtime too.
As a local volunteer, I speak to many farmers and provide support in many ways. I can be a fresh pair of eyes to a situation, a sounding board, or point people in the direction of other organisations that can offer the professional advice and guidance that’s sometimes needed. Or I’m happy to just listen.
I’ve worked through many different situations and met many people – some of whom I’m still in contact with years later. I’d encourage anyone to look at the services FCN offer, if anything crops up that doesn’t seem to have an obvious answer.”
Farming Community Network services
1,000s in the farming community use the following each year:
- Confidential helpline, available 7am – 11pm – with volunteers who have direct links/experience with farming – 03000 111 999 or email help@fcn.org.uk
- Local groups offer more ‘hands on’ support in many different ways. Although FCN don’t offer professional advice – this is a supportive individual to walk with when there are challenges
- Online support farmwell.org.uk offers a wealth of information