30 Apr 2026
Making a Difference Through Collaboration and Awareness
A thriving partnership between the Farming Community Network and Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is helping raise awareness and make a difference in rural communities.
The partnership, now in its second year, was formed after the gas network operator’s partners and stakeholders highlighted a gap in support to the North of England’s farming community.
In 2025, a pilot was launched to help close the gap. Funded by NGN’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA), its mission is to:
- raise awareness about carbon monoxide dangers, the signs and symptoms and the importance of installing CO alarms,
- encourage anyone who may need extra support due to their medical or personal circumstances to join NGN’s free Priority Services Register,
- offer free energy efficiency advice, and
- help people who may be struggling with their energy bills maximise their income.
FCN, a voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of those in farming, provides crucial support during challenging and changing times and the collaboration with NGN is proving successful.
Georgina Lamb, Head of Partnerships at FCN, explains how the partnership is bolstering FCN’s mission, and creating positive outcomes in the rural sector:
“Working with NGN adds tremendous value to FCN’s efforts in building a thriving and resilient farming sector. Over the past year, our productive engagement with the farming and rural community has been instrumental. Addressing the risk of carbon monoxide, both at home and on farms, has been essential, and the team has made significant progress in improving awareness of this silent threat.
“We’re delighted that promoting the Priority Services Register has guaranteed support for many who previously didn’t realise they were eligible. Our conversations at agricultural shows, auction marts, and rural health days have been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s heartening to see so many families benefit from this initiative.”
Together, NGN and FCN are committed to fostering wellbeing and resilience across the sector.
If you’re part of the farming community, FCN offers a network of volunteers across England and Wales, many with farming backgrounds or close ties to agriculture, who can provide free and confidential support.
FCN’s confidential national helpline 03000 111 999 (open daily from 07:00 to 23:00) and its e-helpline ([email protected]), are available for personal and business issues.
FCN also runs FarmWell (farmwell.org.uk), a one-stop platform for farm business support and personal resilience. The charity relies on donations and grants to continue its vital work. With growing uncertainty facing British farming, FCN volunteers are likely to see their workload grow making it a good time to get involved. Find out more at fcn.org.uk/volunteering.
