RSABI Ramps up Support for Scottish Farmers and Crofters Amidst Cost-of-living Crisis

With many people in the agricultural industry affected by rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis, RSABI has seen its spend on Help for Heating grants almost double since last year

The organisation, which supports people in Scottish agriculture, is urging those involved in farming and crofting to make the most of the grants and support services available to them, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to put significant pressure on the sector.

The charity's Help for Heating financial support scheme is available for farmers, crofters and others working in, or retired from, agriculture who are struggling to absorb the rapidly rising costs of heating bills

Grant payments starting at £300 are available to farmers and crofters to claim through the initiative, designed to help those who require support to heat their homes

Help for Heating applicants are eligible to receive the funding if they are associated with the agriculture industry, spending more than 10% of their household income on heating costs and finding it difficult to afford essentials like food and clothing

RSABI's Welfare Manager Chris McVey said: "These are exceptional times, and we've already seen demand for Help for Heating payments increase significantly

"We encourage any farmers or crofters, or others involved in Scottish agriculture, who are struggling with rising costs to please get in touch Our team will take you through a straightforward application process and we might be able to help you in other ways too."

RSABI's freephone Helpline - 0808 1234 555 - is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls won't show up on phone bills All enquiries are treated as confidential by RSABI's friendly, professional team

McVey added: "We know there will be many households out there who were managing, but with the cost-of-living crisis, increased home energy costs and increased input costs, financial pressure is growing which we know causes stress and has a negative impact on individuals' mental health "

Mr McVey said his team had spoken with older people living on their own who had been afraid to put their heating on due to concerns about costs

"If you're worried about rising energy costs or are already struggling to stay warm in your home, please don't hesitate to contact RSABI about our Help for Heating support and enquire about the other support we offer

"In cases where finances have become really difficult, we can also very quickly arrange a pre-paid debit card to pay for grocery shopping and we can also arrange purchases where household goods break down and people are struggling to pay for replacement items."

The charity also offers ongoing financial support through an Annual Beneficiary scheme, where people in need who meet the support criteria receive regular payments to help top-up their income

To apply or find out more information, visit the RSABI website www rsabi org uk, where a 24 hour webchat service is available, or to chat to a case officer, call the RSABI freephone Helpline on 0808 1234 555

An Ayrshire farming couple are helping to inspire farmers, crofters and others working in Scottish agriculture, about the benefits of keeping fit

Jacalyn Dunlop and Grant Neilson, who now run their own fitness business G&J Coaching, have volunteered their services to help agricultural charity, RSABI, promote the benefits of exercise to mental and physical health

Jacalyn and Grant came first and third in their respective categories in the 2022 Britain's Fittest Farmer competition, launched five years ago by Farmers Weekly to spark discussions about physical and mental health in farming

Jacalyn, who grew up on Holehouse Farm, near Ochiltree, now works fulltime in the fitness business while Grant combines working on the family farm, Park Farm near East Kilbride, with fitness training

The pair are delighted to be health and fitness ambassadors for RSABI and determined to help promote the benefits of regular exercise to people working in Scottish agriculture

In a series of videos filmed for RSABI, the pair share their top tips, including how farmers can find time to keep fit and healthy and build looking after themselves into a non-negotiable part of their daily routines

After the pair started training together, the mutual motivation and accountability they offered each other helped drive their fitness careers and has seen them both now become personal trainers

Talking in their RSABI ambassador videos, Jacalyn and Grant discuss how staying active helps improve their mental wellbeing and promote routes to