Rural Support's 'Call to Action' Roadshow rolls into Coleraine

The farming charity is urging the Causeway Coast and Glens public to support the agricultural community

The charity Rural Support is calling upon the public, councillors and local businesses to support their Roadshow when it rolls into Coleraine on Wednesday 28th September.  The 'Call to Action' event is the third in a series of roadshows across the province.

The Roadshow has been travelling throughout the province, to demonstrate the support services on offer in each specific area.  The likes of their helpline and mentoring programmes are available to those in the rural community who may be in need of assistance.  Outreach and Promotion Officer Melissa Wylie told Q Radio that the event wanted to 'highlight the services available to both farmers and their families

Melissa Wylie on Rural Support's services:

"Considering whats happening at the moment in terms of the financial pressures" said Melissa  "we just feel its important that people are aware of what the can avail of."  Set up in 2002 in response to the Foot and Mouth crisis, Rural support offer both first hand engagement with those who need help, and a signposting service to other organisations which can help them.

Still time to register for our roadshow in @CausewayCouncil in partnership with @Simple_Power https://t.co/9Nl4fxx86Q pic.twitter.com/8RqXAHjVCb

— Rural Support (@RuralSupport) September 20, 2016

"We have individuals who can go out and sit down with farmers" said Melissa "they can look at the farm business and identify options for the business.  Rural support also offer 'social farming' which can offer people a means of support by participating in farming activities for a day.

The social aspect of Rural Support could be vital to the rural community.  Farming can often be a very isolated profession and with so much uncertainty over the agricultural industry of late, often emotional support can so often be key.  "we don't have formal counselling" said Melissa "but we do have volunteers who would be trained in providing a listening ear".

Rural Support again provide 'signposting' to refer individuals onto organisations who are more equipped to provide a specific counselling service.  As for next Wednesday's event, Rural Support are hoping to raise as much awareness as they can about the services that the charity offers.

The Roadshow is at the Coleraine Town Hall  on Wednesday 28th September 2016 from 12–1pm.