RABI’s recently launched online wellbeing platform has been boosted by the recruitment of two Welsh speaking counsellors.

“As a charity that supports farming people throughout England and Wales, we’re absolutely thrilled to have found not just one, but two new counsellors who can interact with Welsh speaking farming people,” says Alicia Chivers, RABI’s chief executive.

“It’s our aim to provide accessible support to as many people as possible in our community. Census figures suggest 43% of agricultural workers speak Welsh, compared with 19% of Wales’ wider population. We hope the new appointments will enable us to reach an even wider audience.

“Many farmers live and work in remote rural areas and with the restrictions imposed throughout Wales during lockdown, people may be feeling particularly isolated at this time. Having a route to qualified professional support and resources is really important,” concludes Alicia.

The online service offers free, anonymous resources to adults and young farming people. Users can access one-to-one counselling via a chat function, with British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy accredited counsellors. In addition, all counsellors receive dedicated farm knowledge training to ensure they are aware of the complex issues and challenges that many within the farming community face.

Visit https://rabi.org.uk/kooth for more information.