Running a farm or rural business brings considerable pressure. Whether you’re navigating economic uncertainty, changing market conditions, or personal stress, support is available to help you across England, Wales, and Scotland.

This guide brings together trusted sources of business, financial, and wellbeing support tailored to the rural community.

This guide was first written in 2020 and has been updated in October 2025.

1. Financial and business support

Keeping your business financially resilient matters during times of uncertainty. A range of public and industry-led programmes offer grants, loans, restructuring advice, and business guidance.

Stay proactive – if debt is growing or cash flow is tight, speak with your lender early. Many are open to tailored repayment or restructuring arrangements.

Where to find help

You’ll find practical help from these organisations who understand farming and rural business:

• Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) – business resilience and money management guides for farmers
• The Royal Countryside Fund – grants and workshops that help farms and rural enterprises build long-term sustainability
• National Farmers’ Union (NFU) – policy updates, business advice, and member support
• NFU Cymru – offers expert advice, guidance, and resources to its members
• National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) – member support, information provision and business advice
• Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) – co-operative business guidance and innovation support across Scotland
• Scottish Government – Farming Support – regional grants and subsidy schemes for agricultural development
• Welsh Government – Farm Liasion Service – training, diversification advice, and financial support for Welsh farmers

2. Farming-specific advisory services

Every farm and rural enterprise faces unique challenges — from market volatility and regulation to weather risk, land management and succession planning. Knowing where to find sector-specific advice makes a difference.

Recommended support

It’s worth using these as a starting point to locate sector-specific advice and regionally-based services:

• Farming Advice Service – provides free, confidential advice for farmers and land managers in England
• Farming Connect (Wales) – independent, bespoke and confidential advice for farmers in Wales
• Farm Advisory Services (FAS) – free advice, events, publications, and online resources for Scottish farmers
• Lantra – accredited training and professional development in the land and environment sectors
• Rural Services Network (RSN) – connects businesses with local government programmes and community advocacy groups
• Red Tractor Assurance – regional support networks and farm-specific advisory contacts

3. Wellbeing, mental health & personal support

Farming is demanding – physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, under strain or socially isolated, please know there are charities and organisations specialising in the agricultural context who are ready to help.

Who can help you

• Farming Community Network (FCN) – offers free, confidential support to anyone in a farming community in the UK. Helpline: 03000 111 999 (7am–11pm daily)
• Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) – financial and emotional support for farming families. Freephone: 0800 188 4444 (24 hrs)
• The DPJ Foundation (Wales)– mental health counselling and awareness training for the agricultural community. Call: 0800 587 4262 or text: 07860 048799
• Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) (Scotland) – practical and emotional support for those in agriculture, crofting or rural land-based work. Freephone: 0808 1234 555 (24 hrs)
• Addington Fund – financial and housing support for agricultural families in hardship. Call: 01926 620135
• YANA (You Are Not Alone) – confidential mental health support for those in the farming and rural sectors. Helpline: 0300 323 0400 (Mon–Fri, 10am–1pm; leave a message outside these hours)
• Farmstrong Scotland – a program dedicated to improving the well-being of farmers and crofters through practical strategies and support events.
• Samaritans – 24-hour listening service, free at 116 123
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – support line for those facing stress, isolation, or mental distress. Tel: 0800 58 58 58

Besides the helplines above, sometimes the most important step is simply sharing how you feel – a chat with friends, neighbours, or fellow farmers can make all the difference.

How to make the most of available support

• Don’t wait until the pressure becomes overwhelming – reach out early if you’re worried about finances, stress or isolation
• Be ready to explain what’s going on – e.g., business trends, personal health, family situations – to allow advisors or charities to guide you more effectively
• Keep your accounts, forecasts and business plans updated – this helps business advisers or lenders understand where you are
• Take care of your personal wellbeing – regular check-ins with others, maintaining sleep, diet, physical movement and time off all help create a more resilient you
• Use the charity contact lists above as well as regional directories (some of which may cover sub-regions or counties) to ensure local help is within reach.

If you or someone you know in the farming community is feeling under strain, please don’t wait – help is available right now.

Taking action early makes a real difference – for your business, your wellbeing, and your family.