Mental Health

RABI to intr oduce 24/7 helpline for far ming people

RABI has the believe that no member of the farming community should ever have to face adversity alone. We continue to develop our services to address the impacts of the often unexpected and complex challenges that farmers sometimes face. Either whilst working or when they are no longer active in the sector – through ill health, bereavement, or retirement.

Whatever the issue, we aim to offer practical, effective solutions and frequently partner with other key service providers to facilitate positive outcomes whenever possible. We provide confidential advice, practical support and care, as well as training and financial assistance, including one-off and regular grants. Our work is funded by voluntary income, including donations from individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and fundraising activity by supporters and a network of 50 county committees, as well as investment income and legacies.

Responding to the increasing demand from farming people, RABI is extending its freephone The national farming charity believes that a ‘round the clock’ service will better meet the needs of a sector renowned for working long helpline this autumn, to provide the farming community with a 24-hour service. and often unpredictable hours. “Improving accessibility and ensuring farming people know there is someone to talk to who will understand them, no matter what time it is, is a priority for RABI,” says

Alicia Chivers, Chief Executive of

RABI.

“For generations, RABI has provided guidance and support to the farming community. With the challenges facing farming people becoming increasingly diverse and complex it is crucial that we remove as many barriers to accessing vital help as possible. “Talking to someone and proactively seeking support is such a positive step and now there will be someone available at any time of the night or day. The 24/7 helpline will remain free for all to access and is an important addition to RABI’s services,” concludes Alicia. RABI is employing a progressive strategy of evolution to ensure there is a toolkit of holistic support available for people to access as they need it. Working with partners to strengthen and broaden the charity’s reach, RABI recently introduced the online wellbeing platform rabi.org.uk/kooth, and launched the sector-wide research project - The Big Farming Survey. The roll-out of RABI’s Community Pillars Scheme pilots, bringing together small forums of local farming people within safe, informal but supported environments will continue during 2021.

Tulip Ltd changed its name to Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. from 31st August 2020. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation acquired Tulip Ltd in October 2019 and the change in corporate identity is the latest step in the company’s integration programme. Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. provides a wide range of quality, cost effective and innovative food solution products to the retail and foodservice sectors through a vertically integrated farm to fork supply chain including a network of modern, well-invested manufacturing facilities located throughout the UK.

Pilgrim’s UK, one of the UK’s biggest food producers and the largest provider of higher welfare pork, has donated more than £65,000 to Mind since the beginning of its partnership with the mental health charity in 2018. Colleagues from across the business have taken part in a host of activities to raise funds for Mind, including a sponsored head shave earlier this year, with members of staff receiving donations of more than £600 after parting with their locks.

The charity partnership has also seen the Pilgrim’s UK team climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Mind and take part in a 100km challenge, which saw members of staff complete 100km each over the course of December 2020, raising more than £2,000. The food producer regularly donates to Mind through its staff lotto, which has raised almost £30,000 during the past four years. The funds have helped Mind to provide mental health support services for people across England and Wales. This has become more important than ever as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll on the nation’s mental health.

Rachel Baldwin, vice-president of HR at Pilgrim’s UK, said: “The work Mind does is absolutely vital and life-changing to so many people, and it is a cause that is close to many of our colleagues’ hearts. We want to help the charity in their efforts to reach as many people as possible and we are all proud to achieve this significant milestone in our partnership. “We will continue to do what we can to support Mind and our other charity partners with new and innovative ways to raise money as we try to keep making a positive impact in communities across the nation.”

Emma Ihsan, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said: “The Pilgrim’s UK team has been a hugely supportive partner to us over the past four years and their fundraising efforts have helped us to make a real difference to those of us experiencing mental health problems. As we continue to deal with the mental health fall-out of the coronavirus pandemic, we are especially grateful for their ongoing support in raising money to fund our support services, including Mind Infoline and legal line, so that we can be there for everyone who needs us.”