Farmers urged not to suffer in silence (From Western Telegraph)

Farmers urged not to suffer in silence

An advice service set up to support Pembrokeshires farmers through recession is urging them not to suffer in silence.

Pembrokeshire Rural Outreach, chaired by the general manager of Clynderwen and Cardiganshire Farmers Limited, Vernon Edwards, admits farmers find it difficult to share their problems.

Falling incomes, the demise of the family farm and bureaucratic regulations are all taking their toll, said Mr Edwards.

The general recession in agriculture, particularly in the livestock sector, has generated hardship and stress in homes throughout rural Pembrokeshire.

When the future looks uncertain and difficulties seem to be insurmountable, people become desperate to know where they might find help, he said.

It is then essential that a sympathetic listener who can understand the situation can be reached quickly.

Pembrokeshire Rural Outreach was set up eight years ago to alert people living and working in the countryside of the help available to them, publicising the work of the Samaritans and other organisations.

The Samaritans acknowledges it cannot change the problems farmers are facing, but can change the way these difficulties are tackled.

Their volunteers are trained to talk to people living in rural areas and are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, for anyone who wants to share a problem in total confidence, said Vernon Edwards.

Callers to their national phone number - 08457 909090 - can remain anonymous if they wish.

Membership includes CCF Ltd, the farming unions, YFC, WI, Church in Wales, Farming and Rural Conservation Agency, SPARC and individual farmers who raise funds to produce bilingual information cards and posters.

This year it published a comprehensive list of organisations offering services to Pembrokeshires rural community. This list can be obtained by telephoning 01267 225300.