THE work of the Farming Community Network (FCN) was the subject of a talk by Helen Reynolds at a meeting of the Holsworthy Community Forum on Thursday, January 25.

Created in 1995, the FCN is a faith-based organisation peopled by Christian volunteers who offer advice, assistance and companionship to Devon’s farmers and farm workers facing difficulties, whatever they may be, regardless of their faith. Helen explained that prior to the creation of the FCN such help could only be accessed when farmers were already in crisis. Now the FCN hopes that farmers will seek help and support before a crisis takes place.

Financial and family problems can come from a multitude of directions such as delayed or refused subsidies from the Rural Payment Agency, breakdowns in relationships, death, TB in herds, increased government red tape, illness, delayed form filling, evictions, accidents, sever weather, old age or the whims of the supermarket buyers.

Such problems, if not address early, can lead to a downhill turn, which can have catastrophic effects on all aspects of farmers’ lives. Helen explained that the FCN hopes any farmer facing difficulty will automatically turn to the organisation, who can help lessen stress and worry.

Helen and her fellow volunteers work with the Young Farmers’ Association, and are present at livestock markets to give talks and get the message across about the help and support on offer. This can come in many forms such as helping in deadline form filling, debt, advice and support, legal advice, TB testing problems and accompanying hospital, court and bank appointments. They also help with animal passport problems, training, inheritance of land in the case of sudden death or disabling illness and assisting young farmers in college to cope with the demands of the home farm. Home visits are also available and if the volunteers cannot solve a problem they will try to find someone who can.

Anyone wishing to know more about the FCN, looking to become a volunteer or in need of advice and support should phone the FCN helpline on 03000 111 999 or visit the website www.fcn.org.uk