“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for FCN. It is such a great organisation which covers such a wide range of issues in these uncertain times. I’m especially interested in the work they do around mental health and hope that my involvement will help to further break the stigma and make the world a better and brighter place for those that are struggling”
– Charles Anyan, farmer and mental health advocate
“I support The Farming Community Network because I believe strongly that farmers have always been under constant pressure ranging from agricultural policies and climate change to producing affordable food in an environmentally friendly way. I am proud to be an ambassador to help raise awareness of the support FCN provides in all aspects of farming life.”
– Gareth Wyn Jones, farmer and BBC presenter
“FCN has long been a charity to which I have had an association. Back in the 1990s they helped to support my parents when the farming climate was tough. Again when Foot-and-Mouth hit they were a valuable asset to my family as there were many farming families who were directly affected. I founded Rural+ training when I was National Chairman of NFYFC and when looking for a partner to work with on the project I could think of none better than FCN. Since then I have been an advocate for FCN, having delivered many joint mental health sessions to rural young people across the UK. I am honoured to be an FCN Ambassador and want to continue to reach out to rural young people, raising awareness of FCN and the support they can offer as well as continuing to support the rollout of Rural+ and increase the support the charity receives.”
– Claire Worden, Former National Chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs
“Having served as a Trustee for FCN, I have seen its work and reach at first-hand. I am delighted to continue to offer my support and advocacy as an FCN Ambassador. Without farming and agriculture we would not be able to live, however the vital work of this sector is often overlooked or misrepresented. Farmers have a crucial role to play in food production, and in caring for our environment. In challenging times, FCN ensures that all who need support are helped by people who know and understand the contexts in which agriculture operates. With mental health and farm safety an ongoing challenge for many, it is imperative that charities like FCN are able to thrive, evolve and respond to need. It is a great honour to be able to talk about the work of FCN whenever I can!”
– Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, former FCN Trustee
“I have been a supporter for FCN for a number of years with my mother also being involved as a volunteer in South Wales. I grew up on the family farm and have spent my working career either as a land agent or latterly with the NFU as a group secretary. The world is moving at a faster pace than ever and for many in farming the pressure and lack of support can be all consuming. FCN provide support to a whole spectrum of people regardless of acres or income. Christian values are at the heart of what the charity stands for and I am constantly impressed by the passion of both volunteers and staff. As an FCN Ambassador I try to use my contacts and exposure to highlight the charity and help it reach more people in need of support.”
– James Prewett, NFU
Will is a beef cattle and arable farmer from Wrexham in North-East Wales, where his family have farmed for hundreds of years. In March 2017, frustrated at the way farmers were being portrayed in the media, and seeing the rapidly rising popularity of podcasts, he started Rock & Roll Farming with the idea of talking to different farmers and people involved in agriculture every week to help highlight the human stories behind food production. The podcast ended up being downloaded over two million times and has been listened to in over 100 different countries, as well as earning Will the Digital Innovator of the Year Prize at the 2017 British Farming Awards.
He writes a popular weekly column for Farmers Weekly, as well as being the current Chairman of the Oxford Farming Conference for 2024. Will is a proud husband and father of four rowdy girls, and is at his happiest with them at home on the family farm.
– Will Evans, Farmer and Chairman of OFC
Milly Fyfe is a farmer, mum of two young children, English Panel CARAS secretary and digital marketing expert. Milly has spoken quite openly about her mental health challenges, living in chronic pain whilst raising young children and supporting her husband on the farm. Having worked in the industry amongst the farming community for many years, she understands the weighty responsibilities that are faced and feels empowered to support the work of FCN through the ambassador programme. Milly said: “Having experienced first-hand the difference that the charity makes, I want to use my networks and support promotional campaigns via social media to enhance the work of FCN to more people across the UK.”
– Milly Fyfe, farmer and digital marketing specialist