RABI, the charity at the heart of farming, has launched a new Winter Wellbeing fundraising appeal aimed at supporting farmers and their families during the challenging winter months. The joint appeal with RSABI, the agricultural charity for Scotland, was officially announced on Thursday 3 October at the prestigious Farmers Weekly Awards, where both organisations were the evening’s chosen charities as part of the publication’s 90th anniversary celebrations.

The Farmers Weekly Awards, which recognise the achievements of farmers across the United Kingdom, provided the perfect platform to announce the appeal. Industry leaders, farmers and supporters came together, all united in their dedication to the UK farming community. Attendees also had the opportunity to support the appeal on the night, kickstarting the fundraising efforts with over £7,600 in donations.

The collaborative appeal was unveiled in a new video highlighting the invaluable services offered by both charities to UK farmers. You can watch the video below.

As the farming community continues to face numerous challenges, including isolation, financial pressures and mental health issues, the appeal seeks to alleviate these burdens by promoting overall wellbeing during the winter season. With all proceeds from the appeal being divided equally between RABI and RSABI, the money raised will help ensure that farming people most in need during the colder months can receive vital support.

Both charities deliver year-round practical, financial and emotional support. RABI assists farming people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, touching the lives of thousands each year. Among its range of services, including expert advice and guidance, the charity offers the following emotional support:

• Bespoke mental health counselling that can be accessed over the phone or via video call (18+).
• Click & Chat: This platform offers free, safe, age-appropriate, emotional support, in addition to online counselling, for both over 18s and under It is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with counsellors available from 12 noon to 10 pm Monday to Friday and 6 pm to 10 pm at the weekend.
• Accredited mental health training to help everyone feel more comfortable to talk openly about our mental health.

RSABI provides complementary support to farming people in Scotland, offering free counselling, access to the Thrive wellbeing app, grants for essential items and more.

To contribute to the Winter Wellbeing appeal and help make a difference in the lives of UK farmers, please visit the joint donation platform here.

If you or someone you know is a member of the farming community and in need of support, please call RABI’s free 24-hour helpline at 0800 188 4444 or email [email protected].