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The volume of calls to Rural Support’s helpline has almost trebled since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
There were 128 calls made to the Cookstown based charity in April 2020, which compares to 34 calls during the same month last year. In the first four months of 2020, the helpline received 315 calls, up from 137 calls a year earlier.
“Current callers are 60% male and 40% female, mainly in the 35-55-year-old bracket,” a briefing paper sent to Stormont’s agriculture committee reads.
A text message that gave information about the helpline was sent to 9,000 UFU members earlier this month and resulted in “an influx of calls”, according to the document.
The main concerns from callers surround mental health, access to benefits and farming related issues, such as postponed TB tests and supply chain disruption.
Other common issues include rising household running costs as children move home during lockdown, and fears about the impact that sickness or death could have on farm businesses.
The helpline is also receiving more calls from people aged over 70 with most discussions relating to COVID-19, rather than issues directly about farming.
The Rural Support helpline is 0800 138 1678. Calls are free of charge and confidential.
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