Poots praises dedication of Rural Support

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has praised the work of Rural Support after he met recently with new Rural Support CEO, Veronica Morris and Rural Support Chair, John Thompson.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA pictured with Veronica Morris, Chief Executive Rural Support and John Thompson, Chair Rural Support.

At the meeting, Minister Poots was presented with the findings of a recent survey undertaken by Rural Support into farming pressures, which saw almost 500 farm business owners and farm workers take part. It highlighted concerns from financial pressures, isolation, loneliness to mental and physical health and will help new initiatives to directly address these issues and provide practical support to the farming community on the ground.

Minister Poots said: “I am very supportive of the work Rural Support has undertaken over the years supporting farmers, farm families and indeed the wider rural communities particularly in times of need.  

“Rural Support bring a wide range of skills to support people in rural areas from providing business advice, mentoring, mental health support, and help with general farming issues, and have worked tirelessly to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am also very pleased that Rural Support will be taking forward a number of new initiatives to help with the COVID recovery including the ‘The Business of Farming’ project – a programme of meetings, workshops and one to one support that will be launched in October across Northern Ireland, helping farmers and their families post COVID-19 and looking beyond that to Brexit in terms of challenges and opportunities.

“I wish to take this opportunity to give my sincerest thanks to everyone at Rural Support for their hours of dedication during the pandemic to help our rural communities to get through it.

“I would also like to wish Veronica the best of luck in her appointment as Rural Support CEO which took place earlier this year.”

Speaking after the event, Chairman John Thompson said, “We wish to thank the Minister for taking time to meet with Veronica and myself, and learn first-hand of the work that has been carried out over recent months to help support people affected by COVID-19 as well as hear about the challenges faced by our farmers and their families as we move through the pandemic and beyond. During the first three months of COVID-19, Rural Support saw a threefold increase in calls to its helpline and our staff, mentors and volunteers have been busy supporting those families in very difficult circumstances. The Minister’s interest and support for our activities is much appreciated and welcomed by all at the organisation."

Notes to editors: 

1. Caption: DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA pictured with Veronica Morris, Chief Executive Rural Support and John Thompson, Chair Rural Support.

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