This article was written by FCN’s Chief Executive Office, Jude McCann.
I would like to take this opportunity, during FCN’s 30th anniversary year, to thank all of our dedicated FCN volunteers for everything they do in support of our farming community.
FCN has more than 400 volunteers providing pastoral support across England and Wales, helping thousands of farmers each year. As part of our UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support – the Rural Communities Cancer Project – we also have volunteers supporting work to address health inequities in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our charity, and it is thanks to them that we are able to deliver our vital frontline services to our farming community. It is because of their efforts that we can visit farmers and their families, ‘walking with’ people during difficult times and periods of stress. It is volunteers who give their time to operate our Helpline, ensuring we can be here to help, 365 days of the year. Volunteers represent the charity by attending events, giving presentations, building local connections, and raising awareness and funds – to name but a few of the many ways they contribute to the charity.
Our volunteers are empowered to do this through the support of our dedicated regional staff members. Our staff and volunteers’ local knowledge of farming across the counties and varied farming landscapes and geographies of the UK is essential in allowing us to tailor our support to farmers’ needs. Farming is a tight-knit community, and it is thanks to our regional staff team that we are able to engender trust, build relationships and help people to find a positive way forward.
I am delighted that so many of our volunteers have coordinated events this year, both in celebration of our 30th anniversary, as well as to bring our local farming communities together. We have coordinated a wide number of events already this year and will soon be celebrating more, including:
- 20th September (Wales) – There is a concert taking place at 7:30pm at St Myllin’s Church, LLanfyllin organised by FCN volunteers. Tickets are £10 and available from FCN volunteer Rev’d Hermione Morris.
- 25th September (North) – An afternoon tea event is happening at the Harrogate Showground.
- 28th September (South West) – A harvest festival celebration of 30 years of FCN is taking place at Sherborne Abbey, Dorset. To RSVP visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fcn-30th-anniversary-harvest-service-sherborne-abbey-tickets-1610599048109
- 5th October (South East) – A harvest event is taking place alongside RABI at Canterbury Cathedral at 5:30pm. This is free to attend and all are welcome.
- 1st November – (Midlands) – A Farmers Ball is taking place at the Staffordshire Showground.
The organisation of these events has been led by passionate volunteers who understand farming life and give their time freely to help others.
Thank you again to all involved in FCN, and all those who support the work of our charity – it is arguably needed now more than before.
