AN appeal for volunteers to support farmers in crisis has triggered a positive response.

Tir Dewi had issued a plea for volunteers to embark on a training programme and then provide support to farmers facing financial, operational or welfare challenges or health or mental health issues.

The organisation, which supports farmers in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, has already signed up seven volunteers and has received inquiries from several others keen to get involved.

Tir Dewi secretary, Canon Eileen Davies, is delighted with the response.

“We have already got seven volunteers up and running on training and six or seven other inquiries, one from a person who had received help and had recovered and was now in a position to help others,’’ said Rev Davies, the Church in Wales rural life adviser for the Diocese of St David’s.

Volunteers are being trained to help farmers to negotiate red tape and to understand the process of mediation. The mental health charity, Mind Cymru, will give them an insight into mental health issues. “It will help our volunteers to understand the signs to look out for and what help can be given,’’ said Rev Davies.

Applications have also been received for the part-time paid position of co-ordinator, although the submission deadline has yet to pass so there is still an opportunity for people to apply.

Tir Dewi is the brainchild of the Bishop of St David’s, the Very Reverend Wyn Evans, and is funded for three years by the Diocese of St David’s and the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

News of its work has spread far and wide. “I spoke to the Welsh rural affairs secretary, Lesley Griffiths, at the Pembrokeshire County Show and she had read about Tir Dewi and was keen to know more,’’ said Rev Davies.

For further information on becoming a volunteer or the co-ordinator, please telephone Tir Dewi chairman John Davies on 07977 239352.