FCN - Farming Community Network

Whilst attending a Rural Event on 13th Sept 2025 in Kingstone, Nr Uttoxeter, I was introduced to the FCN, The Farming Community Network, and spoke to Will Sadler and Steve Jackson, representatives of FCN. The FCN also run a website called FarmWell . We all know that farming can be extremely stressful in many ways, finances, weather related stress, working hours, productivity and many more reasons to cause stress, mental health issues etc etc.  It is NORMAL to experience difficult times, and its OK to talk and admit you need help.

Thankfully, there is accessible help and support readily available. FarmWell strives to be proactive in building resilience before its needed as well as helping to support you during unexpected situations and difficult times of need.  Please do not be afraid to ask for help… we all need support at times, and its nothing to be ashamed of.  The FarmWell website has many links, covering a huge range of support you may need Bereavement, Mental Health, Physical Health, Personal Preparation as farming is changing, Staying connected, Working Safely etc, with alot more on the Website. After talking to Will and Steve I recognised how very important it is to ask for help when needed in the Farming Community, and they haves stresses, deadlines, and concerns that the non-farming community, us,  probably don't realise.

FarmWell also deals with Business Resilience, Grants, Funding, Animal Welfare, Legal, Strategy, Technical and much more.  I realised after speaking to Will and Steve, that FCN, and FarmWell are a one stop organisation and signposting facility which helps , advises, and directs the rural community to organisations for support and help. What a fantastic facility. Please share this Smart Alert with all your friends, neighbours, and family, especially if they live and work in our rural areas. We never know whats going on in peoples minds and we often need support, please use/look up FCN and the FarmWell   website/Network  should you feel you need any advise, assistance, or just someone to talk to.