New volunteers are being recruited by Rural Support, the farming charity in Northern Ireland which delivers a range of programmes for farmers and farm family members in support of their farm business and personal wellbeing, all accessible via a free confidential Support Line (0800 138 1678), which is open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm.

Volunteers are a vital part of the Rural Support team; without them it would not be possible for the organisation to offer the diverse range of support and programmes that they do.

Volunteers could help across a range of areas, including the following.

• Plough On group volunteer – Helping to support groups of older men coming together in your local area through their Plough On Programme.

• Across The Hedgerow volunteer – Provide listening support and companionship via a regular telephone call to someone who is lonely or isolated within the farming community.

• Support Line volunteer – Helping to provide confidential listening support to individuals who contact the support line.

• Outreach volunteer – Helping to deliver outreach activities by setting up at local shows including driving duties, supporting leaflet distribution, or telling people about Rural Support.

To find finding out more about becoming a volunteer, get in touch with Deborah Gavin, at 028 8676 0040, email deborah@ruralsupport.org.uk, or see www.ruralsupport.org.uk.