Rural stress – working together to support the agri sector in Powys

PAVO brings together people representing agricultural and mental health sector organisations across Powys

“It’s okay to not be perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to do something that you hadn’t done, because if we don’t do those things, we never grow.”  The DPJ Foundation

On Tuesday I attended a packed first meeting of what looks like a new PAVO network. It was organised by my Engagement colleague Sue Newham, and facilitated by Freda Lacey (Senior Officer Health & Wellbeing PAVO) to look at how organisations can better work together to address the worsening issue of mental health distress and stigma in the agricultural community in Powys.

Men in particular, but also women working in this sector, such as farmers and vets, are vulnerable to high levels of stress due to many factors beyond their control including the weather, isolation, animal disease, farm succession, and, even as I write, who knows what future Brexit holds….?

In our team we had been conscious of the issues for some time, alerted by our colleagues in the health board that this community was not so readily accessing mental health services as other people in Powys. However, after recognising some of the barriers in reaching out to this community ourselves (as detailed in Farming and mental health: the challenge) we realised that it was essential to collaborate closely with other key groups for us to make any kind of impact.

The BIG issue we identified at Tuesday’s meeting

Men working in the agri sector in Powys are still reluctant to ask for help when they need it. There could be hundreds of support services available, but if help is never sought it will make absolutely no difference to that person. The real challenge is encouraging men that “it’s OK to say” – as recognised by a Farmers’ Union of Wales event at the Royal Welsh Show in 2017.

Share the load

Emma Picton Jones lost her husband Daniel when he chose to end his life in 2016 after struggling with mental health issues. She subsequently set up The DPJ Foundation to support the agri sector in Pembrokeshire, and attended Tuesday’s meeting with her fellow trustee Sophie Adams. 

After a successful first year providing free counselling sessions and training for the sector in south-west Wales, the charity is now extending into Powys. 18 volunteers staff the telephone / text helpline. New Powys counsellors have been recruited who can provide the first counselling session within a week at a mutually convenient location in Welsh or English.

If you, or someone you know, would like to talk to someone confidentially then call 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048 799. The helpline service is available 24/7. 

Man to man

Tracy Lewis, a farmer who also works for Mid Powys Mind in Radnorshire, told us about a new initiative the organisation is piloting to encourage men to talk to and support each other. It is aimed at all men, but she is visiting markets in the area and encouraging farmers to “take the Pledge with a friend”. 

As part of the Pledge the men agree that if they are struggling they will tell their friend that they need help, particularly if they are feeling suicidal, and contact support services. Friends also pledge to listen to each other without judgment, to ask directly if they think they may be suicidal, and support each other to seek appropriate help.

Tracy Lewis of Mid Powys Mind with Owen Griffkin, Participation Officer Mental Health - PAVO

Numerous other organisations attended on the day, bringing massive expertise and experience into this new network. They included Age Cymru Powys, Brecon & District Mind, Care & Repair Powys, Dementia Matters in Powys, the Farming Community Network, the Farmers’ Union of Wales, the National Union of Farmers, Ponthafren Association, Powys Teaching Health Board, and the local Young Farmers’ Clubs. Two PAVO trustees with extensive experience in the field - Trish Buchan and Ian Charlesworth, joined them.

Many of these organisations already provide support services for people in the agricultural sector struggling with stress or low mood. The challenge now is to work collaboratively to provide the best possible support to those that need it.

Some of the challenges & proposed approaches

These points / questions were raised during the meeting:

• Do we focus on normalising mental health issues with young people now in college so that in twenty years they will be better equipped to deal with what life throws at them, or, support those in their 40s and 50s who are struggling now? Or both? 
• It is no one person’s job to help support people working in the agri sector. We need to tap into the whole community – we all have contact with farmers. (I do. My cat goes on holiday to a cattery – a diversification scheme - on a farm). 
• Mental Health First Aid training, tailored specifically for the agri sector, is key. Vets, feed merchants, market staff, farmers’ union staff, the list goes on… The DPJ Foundation provides this training and raises awareness about how to spot the first signs of mental health struggles and what support is available. 
• Powys Teaching Health Board is looking at a more integrated approach, so that people can seek support about both their physical and mental health issues at the same time. In Pembrokeshire The DPJ Foundation will be trialling a mobile unit which will go to markets, shows and even farms. A blood pressure check, a bit of an all-round physical MOT, and a chat. 
• Ambassadors in the community who can speak about their own experiences can be very powerful in sowing the seed – that “it’s OK to say” and support is available. The DPJ Foundation invested a huge amount of time giving talks in the early days and people would ring for help – some several months later. 
• Clarity around what support third parties can give (families, friends and neighbours) is needed. So often it is down to the individual to make that first contact (or not) which leaves others feeling helpless and hopeless. 
• Sustainability is also key: 20 years ago following the Foot & Mouth crisis a number of initiatives were set up such as the Rural Stress Helpline, but ultimately they ended as funding ceased. We need to try, together, to embed support within the community not just in short-term services. 

This post is just a brief summary of a much wider and deeper discussion about the current situation and fuller notes will be available to anyone interested in joining this network. You can find out more by contacting Sue Newham, tel: 01597 822191 or email mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk

The next meeting of this network (which has yet to have a name!) will be in May after the lambing season.

The Mid Powys Mind Pledge sign-up 

For me the key message I took away from this valuable session was that we all, as Powys people, need to work on raising awareness, and normalising asking for help, amongst the agricultural community.

“It’s OK to say”. 

We would be very interested to know your thoughts – please comment below or contact us in the Health & Wellbeing team at Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.

Meeting the Farming Community Network in Powys

Mark Suthern, Chairman of the Farming Community Network

Earlier this autumn Freda Lacey (Senior Officer Health & Wellbeing team) and I joined the Farming Community Network for a Harvest Service of Thanksgiving and AGM at the Royal Welsh Showground near Builth Wells. This was the prelude to a 2-day national conference for the charity’s volunteers, staff and trustees.

Christopher Jones MBE founded FCN (then known as the Farming Crisis Network), in 1995. This followed two decades of falling farming prices in the 1980s and 90s, which led to a rise in the number of farmer suicides. Unfortunately, suicide cases in the farming community are still some of the highest recorded in the UK, and today the charity is increasingly called upon to support members of the farming community across England and Wales.

The PAVO mental health team first worked with David Williams, the FCN Regional Director for Wales, and himself a farmer in Monmouthshire, late last year. We hosted Ramble with a Big Cheese, a farming engagement activity in Powys, where we listened to people close to, or working within, the farming community to hear first-hand some of the current issues. Our aim is to make sure that people, not just farming families but support organisations, know where they can best access support and help around their mental health if they’re based in Powys.

Photo © Farming Community Network

Walking with farmers

FCN has a network of over 400 volunteers across England and Wales, many of whom are involved in farming, or have close links with agriculture, and therefore have a great understanding of the issues that farmers, farm workers and farming families regularly face. These volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help, regardless of whether the issue is personal or business-related. They will "walk with" anyone who seeks support and help them find a positive way through their problems - for as long as it is needed. Issues range from financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes.

In addition to local groups of volunteers, FCN runs a confidential national helpline and an e-helpline, which is open every day of the year from 7am - 11pm (tel: 03000 111 999).

David welcomed us to the first FCN conference in Wales. He said, “We can live in our own bubble in the farming world and think that we are the only one with issues. But you will find that a lot of people are suffering and need the help that we supply.”

Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales

The FCN has its roots in Christian theology and ethics. One of the Mid Wales volunteers, the Reverend Ifor Williams (“I used to milk cows”) led the harvest service, whilst Dr Christianne Glossop, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, spoke about the importance of faith to agricultural and rural communities.

FCN Chair, Mark Suthern, described a “period of history repeating itself.” First there was the agricultural revolution, when pioneers set about farming for the first time following centuries of a hunter-gathering lifestyle. During the Industrial Revolution many farmers were displaced by machines and switched to factory work in rapidly expanding urban areas. More recently there has been a Green Revolution, with new pesticides impacting on agriculture. And now we are in a digital and agri-tech led revolution – another massive period of change for the farming community.

The farmer of today has to be a finance expert, a frustrated engineer, a soil scientist, a stockman, a vet and an environmentalist all rolled into one.

Mark asked, “how do we help those frightened by a period of change? We need to harness our strengths and support people through this.” He talked us through the current challenges for FCN, gave a summary of last year’s casework, and highlighted in more detail some of the problems presenting.

David Williams, FCN Regional Director for Wales, addresses AGM guests

Planning for the future

Two of FCN’s vital tasks for the coming year are:

• To expand the helpline services.
• Training people to have confidence to engage in those important conversations with farming families.

Mark concluded by saying: “it is about transferring our values and beliefs to listen to farming families and help them through this long transition period where there are opportunities but also challenges.”

Powys FCN Volunteer Coordinator Pat Borland speaks at the Harvest Service

Farming Community Network volunteers

It was an excellent opportunity for us at PAVO to meet and find out more about some of the work that FCN volunteers are doing to support farming families. Some volunteers, with experience of farming and their own mental health issues, now give talks to local farming groups to raise awareness and reduce the stigma.

Whilst at the AGM I also met Mid Wales Volunteer Coordinator Pat Borland, who will be writing a separate blog post about the work she does supporting volunteers across Powys. Earlier this year Owen Griffkin, (Mental Health Participation Officer) went to the Farming Community Network’s Powys volunteers’ event and met with the people who deal with enquiries from farmers in crisis in Powys.

Some of the enquiries the volunteers receive can be wellbeing related and they said it would be good to have more information about specialised services in the area. Owen worked on an information pack specifically for the volunteers, with a handy info sheet with lots of local organisations featured. The idea is that the volunteers can have it ready-to-hand when on a call with somebody, so that they can quickly find the right help. We also collated leaflets from all the local groups (such as Ponthafren Association and the Mind centres across Powys) to help the volunteers find out more details about each organisation and what services they offer. 

We handed over the completed packs at the FCN’s AGM so that the volunteers can start using them straight away. David Williams, Wales’ Regional Director of FCN said, ‘I am sure this will be a very useful tool for the Powys group.’

If you want to find out more about volunteering with FCN in Powys then contact David by emailing: David@fcn.org.uk

If you need support, then ring the helpline no: 03000 111 999 (7am – 11pm daily) or email: help@fcn.org.uk

Start the conversation, it's good to talk / Dechreuwch y sgwrs, mae’n werth ei chael

Farming Connect campaign helps farm businesses 

navigate their way through succession planning

by guest author Elin Jones

In an ideal world, the older generation would discuss their plans for the future of the farm business openly with other members of the family. They would “start the conversation” long before the time when such a discussion becomes essential.

Unfortunately, that is often not the case which has very serious implications for both families and farms in Wales, according to Einir Davies, mentoring and development manager with Menter a Busnes, which delivers Farming Connect on behalf of the Welsh Government.

“The greatest threat to many farm businesses in Wales is lack of a robust succession plan, which is why Farming Connect launched a new succession campaign at the recent Women in Agriculture forum in Bangor on Dee and are committed to making it the topic of conversation around farm kitchen tables this year,” said Einir.

The new campaign, “Start the conversation, it’s good to talk,” comprises a suite of Farming Connect succession planning support services and guidance tools which will help families navigate their way through what are often challenging and unwelcome discussions.

“Businesses which do not plan ahead risk serious consequences for both family and farm, ranging from the falling out of family members and the loss of homes and livelihoods, to adverse financial consequences and the impact to all if the family farm has to be sold, carved up or divided.

“Succession planning will address when and how best to pass on the assets to the next generation which includes preparing them for what lies ahead and passing on responsibility too,” said Einir.

The starting point for those wanting to know when and from whom they should seek advice is to obtain a copy of Farming Connect’s succession planning booklet. This straightforward A4 booklet sets out what support and guidance is available to help families prepare for those all-important discussions which need to take place. It also contains a ‘succession planning toolkit’, providing templates which enable families to discuss and record the facts, opinions and goals of each family member, saving them valuable time ahead of instructing their own professional experts. Collect a copy from your local development officer or from any agricultural show where Farming Connect has a presence.

The new campaign will signpost farming families towards a team of newly appointed ‘succession’ mentors who have joined Farming Connect’s successful fully-funded mentoring programme. Eligible farmers can now apply for up to 22.5 hours of one-to-one confidential and impartial guidance on ‘succession planning’ from a mentor who has relevant experience or knowledge. Browse the online mentor directory, which also includes mentors on a wide range of business and technical topics, including ‘niche’ diversification enterprises and farm safety experts. A filter system will help you identify the mentor with the skills and knowledge you require before applying for the service.

Farming Connect also arranges succession surgeries when eligible farmers can book a fully-funded one-to-one meeting with a specialist rural solicitor. For information on the next round of dates and locations and to book a place, contact your local Farming Connect development officer.

“You will receive a synopsis of your meeting which you can then discuss with your own professional adviser,” said Einir who added that if any families need further assistance with strategic business planning, they can access 80% funding through Farming Connect’s Advisory Service.

Farming Connect is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Ymgyrch Cyswllt Ffermio yn helpu busnesau
drwy’r broses o gynllunio olyniaeth

Mewn byd delfrydol, byddai’r genhedlaeth hŷn yn trafod eu cynlluniau ar gyfer dyfodol y busnes fferm yn agored gydag aelodau eraill y teulu. Byddent yn “dechrau’r sgwrs” ymhell cyn i drafodaeth o’r fath fod yn angenrheidiol.

Yn anffodus, nid yw hyn yn digwydd bob amser, ac mae hynny’n arwain at oblygiadau difrifol i deuluoedd a ffermydd yng Nghymru, yn ôl Einir Davies, rheolwr mentora a datblygu gyda Menter a Busnes, sy’n darparu Cyswllt Ffermio ar ran Llywodraeth Cymru.

“Y bygythiad mwyaf i nifer o fusnesau fferm yng Nghymru yw diffyg cynllun olyniaeth gadarn, a dyna pam mae Cyswllt Ffermio wedi lansio ymgyrch olyniaeth newydd yn ystod fforwm Merched mewn Amaeth yn ddiweddar ym Mangor Is-Coed ac wedi ymrwymo i sicrhau ei fod yn bwnc trafod o amgylch bwrdd y gegin eleni,” meddai Einir.

Mae’r ymgyrch newydd, “Dechreuwch y Sgwrs, mae’n werth ei chael” yn cynnwys cyfres o wasanaethau cefnogi a chanllawiau ar gyfer cynllunio olyniaeth a fydd yn cynorthwyo teuluoedd i ganfod ffordd o gynnal trafodaethau sy’n aml yn heriol ac yn anodd.

“Mae busnesau nad ydynt yn cynllunio ymlaen llaw mewn perygl o wynebu goblygiadau difrifol iawn ar gyfer y teulu a’r fferm gan amrywio o anghydfod teuluol a cholli cartrefi a bywoliaeth i sefyllfeydd ariannol anffafriol a’r effaith ar bawb pe byddai angen gwerthu, chwalu neu rannu’r fferm deuluol.

“Bydd cynllunio olyniaeth yn mynd i’r afael â sut a phryd y dylid trosglwyddo asedau i’r genhedlaeth nesaf, gan gynnwys eu paratoi ar gyfer y dyfodol a throsglwyddo cyfrifoldeb hefyd,” meddai Einir.

Cam cyntaf ar gyfer y rhai sydd eisiau gwybod pryd y dylent ofyn am gyngor a chan bwy yw derbyn copi o lyfryn cynllunio olyniaeth Cyswllt Ffermio. Mae’r llyfryn A4 hwn yn hawdd i’w ddefnyddio, ac mae’n amlinellu’r gefnogaeth a’r arweiniad sydd ar gael i helpu teuluoedd baratoi ar gyfer y trafodaethau pwysig sydd angen eu cynnal. Mae hefyd yn cynnwys ‘pecyn adnoddau cynllunio olyniaeth’ sy’n darparu templedi sy’n galluogi ffermwyr i drafod a chofnodi’r ffeithiau, barn a nodau pob aelod o’r teulu, gan arbed amser gwerthfawr cyn cysylltu â’u harbenigwyr proffesiynol eu hunain. Gallwch gael copi gan eich swyddog datblygu lleol neu o unrhyw sioe amaethyddol ble bydd Cyswllt Ffermio yn bresennol.

Bydd yr ymgyrch newydd yn cyfeirio teuluoedd fferm at dîm o fentoriaid ‘olyniaeth’ sydd newydd eu penodi i ymuno â rhaglen fentora lwyddiannus Cyswllt Ffermio sydd wedi’i hariannu’n llawn. Gall ffermwyr cymwys ymgeisio am hyd at 22.5 awr o gyngor annibynnol, diduedd a chyfrinachol wedi’i ariannu’n llawn gan fentor sydd â phrofiad perthnasol neu ddealltwriaeth o gynllunio olyniaeth. Ewch i www.llyw.cymru/cyswlltffermio i edrych ar y cyfeirlyfr mentora ar lein, sydd hefyd yn cynnwys mentoriaid gyda phrofiad mewn nifer o feysydd busnes a thechnegol, gan gynnwys mentrau arallgyfeirio arbenigol, ynghyd ag arbenigwyr diogelwch fferm. Bydd system hidlo yn eich cynorthwyo i ganfod y mentro gyda’r sgiliau a’r wybodaeth sydd arnoch ei angen cyn ymgeisio ar gyfer y gwasanaeth.

Mae Cyswllt Ffermio hefyd yn trefnu cymorthfeydd olyniaeth ble gall ffermwyr cymwys drefnu cyfarfod un i un wedi’i ariannu’n llawn gyda chyfreithiwr amaethyddol arbenigol. Am fanylion y rownd nesaf o ddyddiadau a lleoliadau ac i archebu lle, cysylltwch â’ch swyddog datblygu Cyswllt Ffermio lleol.

Byddwch yn derbyn crynodeb o’ch cyfarfod, ac yna gallwch drafod gyda’ch cynghorydd proffesiynol eich hun,” meddai Einir, ac ychwanegodd y gall unrhyw deuluoedd sydd angen cefnogaeth bellach gyda chynllunio busnes strategol, gallant dderbyn cyllid o hyd at 80% trwy Wasanaeth Cynghori Cyswllt Ffermio.

Ariennir Cyswllt Ffermio gan Lywodraeth Cymru a Chronfa Amaethyddol Ewrop ar gyfer Datblygu Gwledig.

R.A.B.I – supporting farming families in Powys

Becky with her Dad, and his dog, Merle!

This week’s guest post is from Becky Davies

Regional Manager of R.A.B.I for North Wales and Warwickshire 

My name is Becky and I work for a charity called R.A.B.I, aka the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. We are a national farming charity working throughout Wales and England. We aim to help people of all ages from the farming community, particularly those who have found themselves in difficult circumstances through no fault of their own.

I work for R.A.B.I four days a week as a “Regional Manager”. What this means is that I help to raise money for the charity and also raise awareness of what we do, and how we can help people. The charity has its head office in Oxford, but I get to work from home, and my work takes me out and about throughout North and Mid Wales, and Warwickshire. I am originally from a farming family in Shropshire but I have recently moved to live on a farm near Dolgellau. My colleague Linda Jones also works with me as a Regional Manager in Powys. Linda and I have two fabulous colleagues working with the farmers in Powys – Mel Jones and Claire Critchard. Mel and Claire are Regional Welfare Officers. They both work very hard visiting people in Powys and beyond, making sure that we are doing all we can to help.

Some people don’t understand how farmers can end up feeling depressed. It can be a lovely, rewarding occupation. They are surrounded by our beautiful Welsh countryside, getting out into the fresh air each day. But from time to time it can be difficult to pick your head up and notice the beauty in your surroundings.

Farming is a 24/7 business and many in the industry work very long hours in isolation in remote, rural areas. On top of that, there will always be factors that can quickly cause stress and anxiety to escalate such as market fluctuations, poor harvests, bad weather and animal disease. Not seeking support when symptoms first emerge can make things much worse.

People approach the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) for all sorts of reasons. At R.A.B.I we give out grants to people from the farming community, and provide a range of additional support. For some people, our help might just provide a breathing space to hopefully take the pressure off. It’s incredible how having someone to talk to can so often be that vital first step on the road to recovery. For some people, tackling their financial problems can immediately relieve some of the stress, anxiety and worry.

Farmers Lizzie and David Ottley with R.A.B.I Regional Welfare Officer Sally Hubbard

We offer a free, and confidential service. Most of the people that we help, choose to remain anonymous (as is their right), but some individuals agree to share their story. David Ottley is one of these people.

David and wife Lizzie run Blue Welly Farm and have three young daughters. David remembers the time before he called on R.A.B.I for help: “I had the farm and the family I’d always wanted but something was not right. I was not happy.”

Over the years, David’s problems worsened. A string of unfortunate circumstances befell the farm and David felt that he had ‘hit the bottom and crashed’.

David described a particularly difficult time when his ewes developed health problems, leading to them lambing four weeks early. Most of the new-born lambs could not survive.

“I was afraid of going into the lambing yard to see what I’d find next. I couldn’t do it. Lizzie held it all together, until the morning that she needed my help with a ewe that was having trouble. She said it was like watching someone who had never lambed before. I didn’t know what to do.

“I sat on the floor and felt empty and dead and just for a second I felt I might as well be because I had no feelings.

“I went to the doctor's and went on medication, but I was still under a very dark cloud. Months of not being on the ball had meant that money had gotten very tight. I started hiding the bills from Lizzie, but also from myself.

“One day I sat outside at our table. Everything was dead, there were no birds and no life. I decided I had to do something because this couldn’t carry on.”

David sought the help of R.A.B.I, and Sally Hubbard, one of our welfare officers, met with him to work out how the charity could help him and his family.

“She came out and went through everything. She helped us put together a plan on how we were going to pay off these bills. Things weren’t as bad as I thought they were. She also called some of our creditors and spoke to them on my behalf, which is something I couldn’t do.

“Most of all, she listened. She listened without rushing me.

“The money R.A.B.I gave us kept the house running so the farm had a little bit of time to rest and pay for itself. We could function and pay our bills.

“Sally and R.A.B.I helped me focus on the farm and walk through the fog to see the sun and hear the birds. They helped me get back on track to do farm work again. I’m looking ahead with a smile again.”

People are generally surprised when I talk about all that R.A.B.I can offer. Our primary aim is to offer financial support to farming people, but in reality, we do so much more than just hand out grants. You can explore a bit more on our website. Many of the people who have made the brave step to contact R.A.B.I are often relieved once they have contacted us. If you know of anyone linked to the farming community that might need our support, please get in touch with R.A.B.I by emailing: info@rabi.org.uk or ringing the freephone helpline: 0808 281 9490.

Oh, and there's a dog...

Sandra Ward, Information and Advice Manager for Age Cymru Powys, talks to us about older people in rural communities and her vision for help and support that could make a real difference.

Tell us about your day job

I have been an adviser for 30 years – that makes me feel very old.

It really is a strange way of earning one’s living, but it can be both rewarding and interesting. I never know what the day will bring – it can range from the sublime to the downright heartbreaking. From advising how to deal with a bee swarm lodged in a chimney, to supporting a lady of 92 coping with losing her lifelong partner and for the first time having to deal with banks, benefits and all the paperwork which follows a death.

I know we all suffer the distress of easing information from, and giving help to, those who are in a ‘bad’ place. But in the midst of these problems are lighter moments. One of my longest days was when I was with the Citizens Advice Bureau. I was helping a young family who were homeless. It was a Friday, especially relevant because one is aware that the problem has to be solved that day – nothing will be open over the weekend. Panic time then! I had spent most of the day finding this young couple somewhere to stay, and this was before the 3 young children came out of school. But at 4pm I was triumphantly standing at the door of the Advice Centre ready to speed them on their way to a booked and funded bed and breakfast. The young father suddenly turned and said; “Oh, and there’s the dog!” (An Alsatian, of course!) I often mutter to myself in times of stress - when I need a giggle - ‘and there’s the dog’!

Powys is a rural county, what does this mean for older people?

As Manager of Age Cymru Powys (formerly Age Concern) I see a great many people with problems which are aggravated by the fact that they live in a rural location. For my clients the additional rural problems are the following: difficulties in accessing help and advice; support services are either stretched by distance or non existent; lack of transport – whether that is limited public transport or simply that due to age and/or disability they have lost the use of their own transport. This of course, affects access to health services especially in Mid Wales where we are often sent to Telford for hospital appointments. All these limitations can cause acute loneliness – something the majority of the people I speak to suffer from. My job in Powys is almost completely different to that of an Information and Advice worker in an urban area where supporting services are near at hand.

Powys (my patch) is the 9th most rural county in the whole of the United Kingdom and the least most populated in Wales. The average population in Wales is 147 people per square kilometre, in Powys it is 26. Also we are ¼ of the area of Wales, so some of my outreach service advisers can travel for 1½ hours just to get to their destination. So you see I really do know about rural poverty.

Is there anything causing real concern to older people in Powys at the moment?

At present we are finding that the Government Welfare Reforms are causing us a great deal of work. Don’t get me wrong, I agree that a fit and able person of working age should be employed. It is only when knowing that one is valued and worthwhile that you gain self respect and self esteem. However, if you are 50+ and have health problems – maybe a stroke or an accident at work; you are actually less likely to be able to work. Possibly the job you trained for and have always done is now physically beyond you, so your whole life has to change. This is fine if you are fit, alert and mentally able to cope with complete change, but if you are depressed and unwell to suddenly find yourself in a minefield of forms and interviews it becomes impossible to find the impetus to navigate onwards. My colleagues and I help them do this and it can be both difficult and very, very sad. People are angry because they can’t work at their chosen trade, depressed because their life has changed for the worse and very frustrated that the Welfare State, far from helping them, seems intent only on making them slot into a ‘fit for work’ category.

I had a client, a gentleman of 64 who had previously worked on the land; he had had a stroke and was quite disabled. However, he was found by the Employment and Support Allowance Team to be fit to do office work. This chap was unable to use one side of his body and was incontinent. I explained the ruling and possible options for him. He sat quietly in my office, then said; “I would rather be dead than sit in an office smelling of urine.” This man had worked constantly for 35 years and had never expected to rely on state benefits. Not the type of unemployed scrounger that some of the politicians and the popular media portray. I am on a few national committees, not because I have the time but because people like that man are unable to verbalise their frustrations – but I try to make their feelings known and understood.

What other challenges do you face in Powys?

The challenges of communication both in reaching those who are vulnerable and for older people to participate in social activities are vast. Public transport is very limited, many of the bus routes are weekly services or limited to one or two buses a day – a large number of villages are not visited at all. We have recently lost even more of these routes. Over ½ Powys households are classified as being in area 8, ranked the worst 10% in Wales for access to services on foot or by bus.

Interestingly we also find that language causes a barrier. We run a bi-lingual service but find that the majority of our work on the Welsh border is requested in English. As we ‘go west’ across the county it becomes more predominately Welsh. Because my main office is in Newtown some people consider our service ‘English’ and hesitate as to whether they would find help there. In fact some of my ‘main language Welsh’ clients are additionally vulnerable because they have scant knowledge of the help they could access.

I have over the last 5 years piloted and run an elder abuse project for Powys County Council. I chose primarily to visit Lunch Clubs because these are the older people who are just coping but needing some support and therefore beginning to be at risk. It involves a positive and upbeat talk; firstly about older people’s rights – such things as ‘You have a right to be wrong!’ So many elderly people keep silent, terrified that if they make a mistake they will be ‘put in a home’. We fight to give them control over their lives, without making the judgement of ‘what is best for them’. We then go on to discuss scams and abuse, in an open and safe environment. Sadly 60% of the 300 people I spoke to had been a victim of scams or abuse. If people are living in isolated rural areas they are far more likely to be at risk of unreported abuse. There is a desperate need for our advice service to reach these isolated and vulnerable people.

How would you like to be able to help older people in Powys more?

I started thinking about the problem from the bottom up, so to speak! I am involved in rural church life and have been for my whole life. As a child our church was the hub of our rural community and many problems were supported therein. Now I believe this supporting network has changed – the age range in our communities is unbalanced. Despite all our best efforts to attract the young, many of our congregations are made up of older people. A few of the more successful churches use their buildings completely and offer crèches, welfare advice and community projects like cafes.

I had this in mind when I thought about my new project. As advice workers we need to be out there helping the lonely and vulnerable but I cannot sanction the expense for my advisers travelling 80 miles for a home visit, even if it is essential. So I thought that if I had a volunteer in each community and a paid adviser in a main office, whether it be Newtown, Llandod or Brecon then the volunteer could listen to the problem and phone for advice. The Bishop of Bangor informed me that the Church in Wales is keen for their buildings to be fully utilised - so churches, and maybe chapels, community centres and schools could be used at set times every week. My plan is that this would form a network of people to be a core community and therefore support their population who were at risk or in need. I’m just at the stage of trying to get funding for this but hopefully it could plug a little hole in the dyke!

What I see at present is that many people living in rural areas are being subjected to increasing stress and anguish as a direct result of decisions made in Westminster and elsewhere. It is necessary that we speak out – without prejudice – to inform those whose upbringing and life style leave them ignorant of the challenges of rural Wales. Reaching those who need help remains my priority and frustrating though it often is, I feel very privileged and honoured to be in a position to attempt this.

If you would like to discuss this idea with Sandra or offer her some support, you can get in touch with her on 01686 623707 or sandra@acpowys.org.uk or leave a comment below.