Rural Support

Rural Support Rural Support provides a confidential support line service to farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland. The support line number is 0800 138 1678.

The freephone support line number is 0800 138 1678, open 9am-9pm, Monday to Friday (freephone from all UK landlines & mobiles). Our Support Line provides a listening and signposting service for farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland. Callers to the support line are from all ages and backgrounds and come from every part of Northern Ireland. All calls are confidential and our team are all

from rural and farming backgrounds. The support line is available 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday (voicemail and support options available at all other times).

Behind every farm gate, there's a family carrying more than most people will ever see. 🌾The pressures facing farmers in ...
18/06/2026

Behind every farm gate, there's a family carrying more than most people will ever see. 🌾

The pressures facing farmers in Northern Ireland are relentless β€” financial stress, isolation, long hours, and an uncertain future. For many, it becomes too much to carry alone.This past year, demand for our services has grown by 40%. More farmers and farming families than ever are reaching out β€” and we're determined to be there for every single one of them.

That's where you come in.

By becoming a Rural Supporter with a regular monthly gift, you'll help us:

βœ… Provide confidential emotional support to farmers and their families
βœ… Offer practical guidance through financial and farm business challenges
βœ… Reach isolated rural communities before they reach crisis point

You don't have to fix farming. But you can help make sure no one faces it alone.

πŸ‘‰ Become a Rural Supporter today β€” sign up here: https://ruralsupport.enthuse.com/cp/540a7/fundraiser #!/

πŸ“ Supporting farmers and farming families across Northern Ireland

Supporting farmers also means supporting the people who work alongside them every day. 🌾Our Boots on the Ground accredit...
17/06/2026

Supporting farmers also means supporting the people who work alongside them every day. 🌾

Our Boots on the Ground accredited programme delivers mental health awareness training for agri-sector employees β€” helping those working within the industry recognise when someone may be struggling and how to respond with confidence and compassion.

Together, we can create a farming community where people feel seen, supported, and able to reach out for help.

🧠 Recognise the signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health
🀝 Navigating difficult conversations
🌱 Signposting to appropriate services

πŸ‘‰ Interested in getting your team involved or learning more?
πŸ“ž 028 8676 0040
πŸ“§ [email protected]

We're thrilled to welcome Dale Farm  as a Silver Corporate Member of Rural Support! 🌟Dale Farm is a cooperative rooted i...
16/06/2026

We're thrilled to welcome Dale Farm as a Silver Corporate Member of Rural Support! 🌟

Dale Farm is a cooperative rooted in the heart of Northern Ireland's farming community β€” owned by 1,300 farmers and built on a commitment to sustaining family dairy farms for generations. That shared understanding of farming life is exactly why this partnership means so much to us.

Caroline Martin, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Dale Farm, said:

πŸ’¬ "As a cooperative owned by 1,300 farmers, we are proud to partner with Rural Support. We understand the challenges farming families face β€” whether in business, finance, succession planning, or personal wellbeing, including mental health and bereavement. The programmes and signposting services they deliver provide vital support to farming communities across Northern Ireland."

We look forward to a year of meaningful collaboration and to the positive impact this partnership will have for farming families right across Northern Ireland. 🀝🌿

Pictured L-R: Gail McCullough, Corporate Marketing & Communications Executive, Gyles Dawson and Caroline Martin

πŸ“£ Is your business ready to make a difference?

Join organisations like Dale Farm in backing the farming community. Corporate Membership of Rural Support is a powerful way to show your commitment to rural well being β€” and we'd love to tell you more. Get in touch with Samantha at [email protected] to find out how your business can get involved.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Life Beyond Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving in St John’s Church of Ire...
15/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Life Beyond Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving in St John’s Church of Ireland, Moneymore.

It was a meaningful afternoon of reflection, remembrance and thanksgiving as we came together to honour the lives of those from our farming community who are no longer with us. For anyone who was unable to attend, or for those who would like to revisit the service, a recording is now available on our YouTube channel.

πŸŽ₯ Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhCxc0MthV0

Thank you to all who supported the service, including the clergy, The Farmers’ Choir and everyone who helped make the day so special.

Need support? Know someone who might?Rural Support offers confidential support tailored to farming life. Reaching out ea...
13/06/2026

Need support? Know someone who might?

Rural Support offers confidential support tailored to farming life. Reaching out early can make a real difference.

πŸ“ž Practical support
🀝 Emotional wellbeing support
🌾 Here for farmers and farm families

Help is only a phone call away, contact the freephone support line 0800 138 1678 (Mon to Fri, 9am-9pm). Please share this post to help us reach those who may need support.

Killead Plough On Group recently made the journey to Portglenone to visit    β€” and what a warm welcome they received!Fou...
12/06/2026

Killead Plough On Group recently made the journey to Portglenone to visit β€” and what a warm welcome they received!

Founded 42 years ago by Fred Gibson and his wife Ruth, the business is now supported by their son Alan and daughter Sharon, alongside a dedicated team. Over tea, coffee and a scone, Fred shared the story of how it all began β€” the early challenges, the hard work, and how the strength of family has been at the heart of everything they've built together, including a recent Β£250,000 investment in a brand new state-of-the-art outdoor living centre. 🏑

We also heard from Sharon, who has been a valued member of the Community Rescue Service for many years and now sits on its Board β€” vital, committed work that often comes with difficult and emotional moments. Both Fred and Sharon's stories were truly inspiring.

Members rounded off a brilliant day with a carvery lunch at Tullyglass β€” and in the spirit of community, made a very generous donation of Β£172 to support the important work of the Community Rescue Service. πŸ’›

Another thoroughly enjoyable day with Plough On.

Rural Support are looking forward to being at Armagh County Agricultural Show this Saturday 13th June πŸŒΎπŸ“ Come and visit ...
11/06/2026

Rural Support are looking forward to being at Armagh County Agricultural Show this Saturday 13th June 🌾

πŸ“ Come and visit the Rural Support stand – whether you’d like information, support, or simply a friendly chat, our team will be there to meet you.

πŸ„ WIN a Pedigree Heifer in Calf!
Don’t miss your chance to be in with a fantastic prize – Graceland 1 Beth, a Polled Hereford heifer in calf.
🎟️ Tickets: £10 each - cash (preferred) & digital payment (signal dependent) methods will be available.
πŸ’· Β£1,000 cash alternative (see T&C’s).

If you cannot make it to the show, you can still purchase tickets online through the following link:- https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HeiferincalfRaffle

Every ticket sold helps us continue supporting farming and rural communities across Northern Ireland πŸ’š

πŸ’¬ We’re here for you – supporting rural communities every day.
Come along, say hello, and be part of the conversation.

Fancy adding something special to your herd? πŸ‘€βœ¨This could be your chanceβ€¦πŸŽŸοΈ For just Β£10, you could WIN:πŸ„ Graceland 1 Be...
10/06/2026

Fancy adding something special to your herd? πŸ‘€βœ¨

This could be your chance…

🎟️ For just £10, you could WIN:
πŸ„ Graceland 1 Beth – a stunning pedigree Polled Hereford heifer in calf
πŸ’· OR take the Β£1,000 cash alternative

With top-class breeding and proven AI lines, this is an incredible opportunity to invest in quality livestock while supporting farming families πŸ’šπŸšœ

πŸ“… Winner announced: Monday 10 August 2026

Every ticket sold helps Rural Support continue delivering vital services to those who need it most 🀝🌱

πŸ‘‰ Don’t miss out – grab your ticket today! πŸŽ‰
https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HeiferincalfRaffle

Farming in PartnershipAre you a farmer with no successor, or a new entrant looking to start your own farming enterprise?...
09/06/2026

Farming in Partnership

Are you a farmer with no successor, or a new entrant looking to start your own farming enterprise?

Rural Support facilitates Farming in Partnerships as part of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, connecting farmers seeking a successor with new entrants or expanding farm businesses. The initiative was developed to help address succession challenges while creating opportunities for people looking to enter the farming industry.

Why consider farming in partnership?
πŸ“ˆ Succession planning support
πŸ§‘β€πŸŒΎ New entrant opportunities

Rural Support has supportive mentors who can assist with practical guidance and peer support to help build confidence and strengthen the future of farming. Mentors continue to encourage collaboration, resilience, and innovation across the agricultural sector.

Collaborative farming models are increasingly helping farmers improve efficiency, share knowledge, and create sustainable long-term businesses.

Get in touch today to explore partnership and mentoring opportunities:
πŸ“© [email protected]
πŸ“ž 028 8676 0040

Rural Support is recruiting a Marketing, Communications & Business Development Manager This is a full-time (37.5 hours),...
08/06/2026

Rural Support is recruiting a Marketing, Communications & Business Development Manager

This is a full-time (37.5 hours), permanent role (subject to funding) offering Β£37,928 per annum.

This key role will lead our strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and outreach activity to maximise awareness, access, and uptake of our core services β€” including farm business support and farmer well being programmes 🌱

You’ll play a central role in ensuring our services reach farmers effectively, particularly those who are harder to engage or at risk, helping enable earlier intervention and better outcomes πŸ’š

The role also focuses on building strong partnerships and securing investment to enhance our programmes, extend our reach, and support the long-term sustainability of our services πŸ“ˆ

πŸ“§ Request an application pack: [email protected]
πŸ—“ Closing date: Friday 26th June 2026 at 4.00pm

Rural Support is an equal opportunities employer.
(Access NI Enhanced Disclosure required)

Address

Unit 3, Part 2nd Floor, Molesworth Place, Molesworth Street, Co.
Cookstown
BT808NX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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