Staffordshire FCN’s 30th anniversary Farmers’ Ball brought the agricultural community together for an unforgettable night, raising vital funds and highlighting the growing importance of support for farmers under pressure.
Staffordshire FCN held a Farmers’ Ball on 1 November to mark their 30-year anniversary. It was attended by over 400 people who celebrated throughout the night, while raising some funds for FCN. This involved a raffle and a good old auction where one tray of eggs went for over £100. The total raised for the evening was well over £25,000, which is just amazing. The celebrations went on into the early hours and it was a memorable night for all who attended. A huge thanks must go to the whole Staffordshire FCN team for organising, with a special shout-out for Julia Taylor and Meg Elliot for all their hard work. Hopefully this can become a yearly event, as never has there been a more important time in farming to bring the whole agricultural community and its ancillary industries together. Thanks must also go to all the sponsors who helped fund the event, and without whom the ball would not take place.
I feel farming is under such pressure now and support from charities like FCN has never been more important. Farming can be a very isolating occupation, and as we move more into the digital and technological age, it can become even more isolating. With so many things being managed online, there are less reasons to go out to market or visit suppliers. Human beings are social creatures, and with the storm that agriculture is currently going through, in my opinion, having a reason to go out and meet people is vital.
This is where the work of FCN and other charities is imperative. FCN has a confidential helpline (03000 111 999), which is open 365 days a year from 7am to 11pm and has handled over 2,000 calls over the last 12 months. I feel that sometimes just being able to talk to someone with a sympathetic ear about your problems can lessen the burden. Nobody is immune from stress and depression, as I have experienced myself, but having the right support around you can help dramatically in your road to recovery. FCN is there to help with your burden, be it personal or business related.
FCN also runs a one-stop portal called FarmWell which contains lots of information on helping your business, from succession planning to farm health and safety. Over 30,000 unique visitors used the website last year. Whatever the issue, FCN is here to help, so please always keep the number and the web address to hand (www.fcn.org.uk) as you never know when you or someone you care about needs to talk.
On a lighter note, Steve Jackson, Staffordshire’s FCN chairman, had the great pleasure of meeting the King. He is patron of the charity and follows its work with much enthusiasm and offers his full support, realising the good work FCN volunteers do for the community. Please, if you know anybody who you believe to be struggling, or have any questions, however insignificant they may seem, phone the helpline number and let’s keep people supported. You do not have to be alone; FCN support is only a phone call away.
