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).

The Coagh Plough On group proudly unveiled their Ceramic Legacy Piece, inspired by their stories, memories, and lived ex...
04/06/2026

The Coagh Plough On group proudly unveiled their Ceramic Legacy Piece, inspired by their stories, memories, and lived experiences — beautifully brought to life by artist Ellen Woods.

This unique artwork celebrates the deep connection between our farming community and local heritage, capturing the voices, experiences, and shared journeys of the Coagh men. It will stand as a lasting tribute to their stories, friendship, and legacy for generations to come.

The piece will soon be installed at The Marina Centre, where it will continue to celebrate and share the voices of the local farming community.

A heartfelt thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland for their support 💛

Are you a new entrant or someone looking for a farming enterprise?Breaking into farming without a family farm can feel c...
03/06/2026

Are you a new entrant or someone looking for a farming enterprise?

Breaking into farming without a family farm can feel challenging — but support is available to help you take those first steps.

Rural Support offers mentoring support to help new entrants explore opportunities within the industry and have those important conversations about their future in farming. Rural Support provides confidential guidance and mentoring for farming families and individuals across Northern Ireland.

The listening ear of a mentor gives you the opportunity to talk through your dreams and aspirations — whether you want to work in:
• Livestock
• Arable farming
• Regenerative agriculture
• Horticulture
• Or start your own farming enterprise

Our mentoring is designed to help support those putting their dreams and aspirations forward to become involved in a sustainable farm business.

If you are passionate about farming but don’t yet have a route in, please feel free to contact us for further information about our Farming in Partnership Programme:
📩 [email protected]
📞 028 8676 0040

Yesterday afternoon, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Plough On group from Rural Support to the Mash Direct farm🌾Our...
02/06/2026

Yesterday afternoon, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Plough On group from Rural Support to the Mash Direct farm🌾

Our founders, Martin and Tracy Hamilton, shared the story of our family business – from six generations of farming to producing award-winning farm-fresh sides. The group then enjoyed a farm tour to see how our veg goes from field to fork in the heart of County Down.

Thanks to Rural Support for visiting – it was a brilliant afternoon of shared stories, insights, and a passion for local food and farming🌱🚜

We’re proud to have worked alongside the The Royal Countryside Fund for the past 10 years as their delivery partner in ...
02/06/2026

We’re proud to have worked alongside the The Royal Countryside Fund for the past 10 years as their delivery partner in Northern Ireland 💛🌾

Thanks to grant support, we’ve helped 287 farming families through the Farm Resilience Programme. And with a new £20,000 partnership, supporting our Farm Support Coordinator role, we can continue to reach those who need it most 🙌

🌱 The Farm Resilience Programme will return this autumn — so keep an eye on our socials and website for updates over the summer!

We’re incredibly grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund and for recognising the importance and impact of the work we do 💚

Celebrating Our Volunteers During UK Volunteer Week 2026 💛📅 1st – 7th June 2026This Volunteer Week, we proudly celebrate...
01/06/2026

Celebrating Our Volunteers During UK Volunteer Week 2026 💛

📅 1st – 7th June 2026
This Volunteer Week, we proudly celebrate the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, skills, and compassion to support the work of Rural Support 🌾
From trustees, to support line volunteers 📞, to those providing companionship through our Across the Hedgerow weekly phone calls ☎️, to outreach helpers, and those offering practical support in the Plough On groups 🤝 — every role makes a real difference and helps us continue supporting the farming community of Northern Ireland 💚

Your dedication enables us to provide vital support, guidance, and connection to those who need it most 🌱 Whether you volunteer regularly or lend a hand when needed, your contribution is truly valued — Rural Support could not exist without you 🙌

Thank you for everything you do to strengthen and support our farming families! 🌟

If you’re interested in becoming a Rural Support volunteer:
📞 028 8676 0040
📧 [email protected]

Join us for our annual Life Beyond Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving📅 Sunday 7th June🕒 2:30pm📍 St. John’s Church of ...
31/05/2026

Join us for our annual Life Beyond Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving

📅 Sunday 7th June
🕒 2:30pm
📍 St. John’s Church of Ireland, Moneymore

We would be privileged if you could join us as we come together to remember those in the farming community who are no longer with us.

A Roll Call of Names will take place during the service. If you would like your loved one included, please contact the Farm Support Unit at Rural Support:
📞 028 8676 0040
📧 [email protected]

🌾 Summer Show Season is Almost Here! 🌾We’re looking forward to being out and about meeting you all at this year’s local ...
30/05/2026

🌾 Summer Show Season is Almost Here! 🌾

We’re looking forward to being out and about meeting you all at this year’s local agricultural shows:
📍 Armagh Show – 13th June
📍 Omagh Show – 4th July
📍 Castlewellan Show – 18th July
📍 Antrim Show – 25th July
📍 Clogher Valley Show – 29th July

👉 Be sure to stop by the Rural Support stand for a chat – whether it’s for information, support, or just to say hello.

🐄 Win a Pedigree Heifer in Calf!

We’ll also be selling raffle tickets at each show for this fantastic Polled Hereford heifer in calf (Graceland 1 Beth).
🎟️ £10 per ticket
💷 £1,000 cash alternative available
A great opportunity to support Rural Support while being in with a chance to win!

💬 We’re here for you – supporting rural communities across Northern Ireland.
Come and see us this summer 🌱

It was another fantastic four days showcasing Social Farming at the RUAS 2026 Balmoral Show in the Horticultural Pavilio...
29/05/2026

It was another fantastic four days showcasing Social Farming at the RUAS 2026 Balmoral Show in the Horticultural Pavilion 🌿🌾

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all the farms and participants who contributed to our wonderful display and took the time to be with us on the stand, sharing their personal experiences 💛

A special thank you as well to everyone who stopped by to say hello — your support, interest and conversations mean so much 🙌

And of course, a big shout out to our amazing Social Farmers who helped out throughout the week — your passion and commitment truly bring Social Farming to life 🌟

🌾💚 Thank you NIGTA! 💚🌾A huge thank you to the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) for raising an incredible...
29/05/2026

🌾💚 Thank you NIGTA! 💚🌾

A huge thank you to the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) for raising an incredible £6,120 for Rural Support at their 59th Annual Dinner 🎉

As President Aidan Fisher’s chosen charity, this generous donation recognises the vital work we do supporting farmers and rural families facing stress, isolation, financial hardship, bereavement, and mental health challenges 🤝

It’s also fantastic to see the impact of our “Boots on the Ground” training, helping those in the agri-food sector support others in times of need 🌱

This support highlights the strong commitment across the industry to building resilience and well being in our rural communities 🚜

🌾🤝 Working together to support farming families 🤝🌾Rural Support and Embrace FARM were pleased to attend the North South ...
28/05/2026

🌾🤝 Working together to support farming families 🤝🌾

Rural Support and Embrace FARM were pleased to attend the North South Ministerial Council Agriculture Pectoral Meeting on 15th May—an important opportunity to highlight the power of collaboration across the island of Ireland.

Together, we showcased the positive impact of partnership working, particularly through Rural Support’s Life Beyond programme and Embrace FARM’s Encircle programme 💚

Through Life Beyond, Rural Support provides tailored bereavement and trauma support to farming families following loss—whether through farm accidents, su***de, or sudden or expected death. This unique programme combines emotional well being support, counselling, trauma care, and practical farm business mentoring to help families navigate incredibly difficult times and adjust to life beyond loss 🌱

Working alongside Embrace FARM’s Encircle programme, we continue to deliver vital support, guidance, and practical assistance to those facing both personal and financial challenges in the farming community.

We greatly value our partnership with Embrace FARM and deeply appreciate the important work they do in supporting bereaved farm families 🙏

Thank you to Ministers and officials for the opportunity to engage and to recognise the importance of collaboration in delivering meaningful support to farmers and their families.

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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