Here in Norfolk and Waveney, we are surrounded by beautiful countryside and agricultural culture. Life for rural parishes and clergy is very different from their urban counterparts and in today’s financial and political climate, we understand how difficult it can be for those in agricultural employment which is why we offer a listening ear as well as practical advice.
The Bishop’s Adviser for Rural Affairs is Revd Tim Weatherstone.
You can read about Revd Tim here
How Village Churches Thrive
Bishop Jane and Archdeacon Catherine hosted online sessions to share ideas with clergy, laity and volunteers to highlight current issues and encouraging stories from rural churches.
The sessions were based on chapters from the book ‘How Village Churches Thrive’.
The discussions were based on chapters of the book, ‘How Village Churches Thrive’ which you can buy from Church House publishing here.
To find out more about the book, watch the actor and church enthusiast Hugh Dennis introduce it in this short video.
The Farming Community Network
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and their families through difficult times.
FCN runs a confidential national helpline: 03000 111 999 open 7am-11pm every day of the year and an e-helpline help@fcn.org.uk.
FCN has a wide network of volunteers in England and Wales and a growing group in Norfolk, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture. They have a great understanding of the practical issues farm workers and farming families regularly face including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health, retirement, succession and family disputes.
FCN works closely with YANA and RABI who offer professional mental wellbeing support and finance, as well as Norfolk YFC, the NFU, CLA, Norfolk County Council and many other relevant organisations.
Volunteers will be attending the Royal Norfolk and Aylsham shows and other agricultural events during the coming year.
Whilst providing help to those in difficulty is a core part of FCN’s work, it aims to be proactive in rural communities to encourage the maintenance of good health and wellbeing and planning ahead so farmers are less likely to experience problems. It develops engaging campaigns, leads research projects and produces wellbeing publications.
FCN is positive about farming’s future and aims to encourage and support new entrants and celebrate the vital role agriculture plays in providing solutions to global challenges.
For further information about FCN’s work in Norfolk or volunteering opportunities please contact its RSO for Norfolk on 07866 803798 or via email andrea@fcn.org.uk.
YANA – You Are Not Alone
The Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025 is raising money for YANA to help fund its telephone helpline. YANA provides rural mental health support for those involved in agriculture and other rural businesses affected by stress and depression. YANA’s mission is to improve mental health in agriculture and rural businesses in East Anglia.
It was launched as a project in 2008 by the Norfolk farming charity, the Clan Trust and became a charity in its own right in 2020. Working in agriculture and the countryside is usually a good way of life but it can be a demanding and stressful occupation. So it’s not surprising that many people involved can feel isolated, depressed or unable to cope as well as normal. That’s where YANA can help.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher says:
“YANA is doing vital work by being alongside people working in farming and rural businesses and offering help and hope to those struggling with stress or depression. Those living and working in rural areas are often facing increasing challenges and I have been very impressed by all YANA does to care for people.”
As well as a confidential helpline, YANA is also investing in mental health training and suicide prevention. In 2023 YANA had a 20% increase in the requests for help made to the helpline.
The telephone helpline 0300 323 0400 is available for confidential support every Monday to Friday between 10am to 1pm. Outside of these hours, people can leave a message and receive a callback. Or can email helpline@yanahelp.org
Any money raised from the Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025 will go towards funding YANA’s telephone helpline, offering confidential support to those in need.
Find out more about YANA: www.yanahelp.org