Since the emergence of the pandemic, R.A.B.I has received more than 100 new calls for support as a result of COVID-19.
These new enquiries, the majority of which have come from working farmers, amount to close to 40% of all calls to the helpline.
Most of the farmers who have contacted R.A.B.I have been indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loss of off-farm income, low prices and the need to self-isolate being some of the main reasons for getting in touch.
R.A.B.I has provided grants to cover domestic bills, given benefits advice, and supported applications for government assistance.
As well as helping new farmers, R.A.B.I has continued to offer much-needed contact to the elderly and disabled farming people the charity supports long-term. The charity’s Welfare Officers have been getting in touch with the most vulnerable people we help, sometimes weekly, to check they are okay. They have also been answering the helpline, providing advice and helping to complete applications.