How RSABI can help

RSABI supports people from Scottish agriculture emotionally, practically and financially. 

If you’re feeling stressed or isolated, or if you need practical help, please get in touch by calling our helpline 0300 111 4166. We’re here to help seven days a week from 7am to 11pm, and all calls are completely confidential.

We’ve increased the frequency of calls we are making to people we know could be lonely or in need of practical help. If you know of someone who would appreciate a call from us then please get in touch by calling 0300 111 4166 or emailing rsabi@rsabi.org.uk. 

For more information on the support we can offer visit our How RSABI can help page.  

Check in on each other

We’re also urging people to take the time to call each other, particularly checking in on elderly or vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference to someone struggling with isolation and anxiety. 

Make sure your neighbours have your number. If you have their number give them a call and see how they are. Communication can be critical during isolation. Ask if RSABI can call them and let us know. 

Make a farm plan

It’s also important that people make plans now in case of illness so that friends, family, neighbours, contractors or volunteers can take over essential day-to-day jobs if you’re unable to do so.  You can use this Farm Emergency Plan template to prepare valuable information. Keep it somewhere it's easily found.

And if you need help completing the plan get in touch by calling 0300 111 4166 or emailing rsabi@rsabi.org.uk.

Finding farm labour

Lantra Scotland have created a skills matching service putting businesses and potential employees with relevant skills and experience in touch with each other to help businesses such as farms to access key workers and continue to operate. You can also phone or email Lantra Scotland on 01738 310164 or email SMS@lantra.co.uk.

If you are looking to recruit a large number of key seasonal or unskilled workers, then contact NFUS or register with Our Skillsforce Job Hub for employers.

Look after your mental health and wellbeing

The Farm Safety Foundation have put together a guide about coping with the stress of COVID-19 -- you'll find this on the NFU Mutual website.

You can also get tips on how to look after your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak on the SAMH website and the Mental Health Foundation website.  

General information and advice

• UK Government general advice and information  
• Scottish Government general advice and information 
• NHS Inform Scotland  
• Scottish Enterprise COVID-19 advice for businesses or call the business support helpline on 0300 303 0660 

Sector-specific information and advice

• NFU Scotland Coronavirus Guidance - including a Farm Worker Movement letter and a Key Workers Movement letter on the Guidance for Employers page
• Farm Advisory Service  
• Rural Payments and Service COVID-19 updates 
• Scotland Food and Drink - Coronavirus Information Hub  
• Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland 
• Shearing checklist for shearers and farmers during covid-19 - National Association of Agricultural Contractors