Coulter, Swann urge increased Stress Relief for Farmers
North Antrim Ulster Unionist Assembly candidates Rev Dr Robert Coulter and Mr Robin Swann have said increased funding needs to be made available to help farming families cope with the severe stresses and strains of working in the agricultural sector.
“In this respect, we would highly commend the work being done by the Rural Support helpline charity, which has already provided considerable advice to many farming families who are under pressure,” the two UUP candidates added in a joint statement.
Dr Coulter and Mr Swann said: “We welcome the existing funding for Rural Support from the departments of agriculture and health. However, we would also hope any future legislative Executive would ensure specific funding is allocated to continue this valuable service.
“Our farming community has faced a vast mountain of challenges in the past decade, including the European beef ban, the threats from BSE and Foot and Mouth, and the latest potential bird flu pandemic.
“All of these stressful situations have naturally placed at times a terrible strain on our farming families. In the constant battle to preserve the emotional well-being of our agricultural workers, the role of Rural Network is in the frontline. It is, therefore, essential this charity receives as much help as possible.
“We would, therefore, appeal directly to anyone in our farming community who is facing emotional or stress problems to get in touch with Rural Network as soon as possible. We would also highly commend the helpline volunteers who carry out a very worthwhile task,” said Dr Coulter and Mr Swann.