A FARMING charity is keen to get the message across that it is still very much open to help Cumbrian farmers and their families.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) this year so far has given £35,000 to help 30 farming people in Cumbria. Of this amount £18,100 has been used to help 11 working farmers in the county. The charity's confidential Freephone Helpline: 0808 281 9490 or email help@rabi.org.uk or practical support and advice: https://rabi.org.uk/need-help/mental-health/

A group set up to support Cumbria’s communities during the Coronavirus emergency is reaching out to the farming sector in the south of the county. The South Lakeland Community Resilience Group, a partnership including local authorities, NHS, emergency services and voluntary and faith groups, was formed early in the Coronavirus response to get practical help and advice out to vulnerable people in the district’s communities. Its work so far has included promoting a dedicated support helpline and linking in with community groups in towns and villages to mobilise volunteers to assist with everything from collecting prescriptions to shopping trips.