Isolation and Loneliness in the Farming Community

[Saffy]

I am Stephanie Powell, and I started the hugely popular Facebook Page in June 2020, Farming history UK and Ireland.

Concerns about the isolation and loneliness among the farming fraternity made me decide to start another page, so on 11th of this month I launched Farming Facebook Fireside Chat UK.

It's been set up because not everyone has someone to talk to, and that can be tough! It is for farming/country people that are on their own in the UK but - if someone feels that they would benefit from a chat on our page and don't live alone, they are most welcome.

It's only been going for 2 weeks and was started as I know how lonely it can feel to make a decision like having a dog euthanised, the annual TB test is looming or the car breaks down and you are the only person that any of it really matters to!

We aren't professional, we are simply farming people but have a very long list of helplines on display for if someone is in distress.

Mark I hope you don't mind this post? But these are trying times and it might make a difference.

Here is a link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1127321238014665

[Louisa Gidney]

This is a very laudable initiative but I think some of those most in need won't be able to access it. The more elderly and isolated are less likely to have mobile phones and internet,for example large areas of North Pennines still don't have signal. What they do miss is the snail mail pen friend.

[Saffy]

Possibly Louisa - but this is more user freindly in some ways than what was already available....and IS already helping people.

Having started the page - Farming history UK and Ireland, just over 18 months back that now has more than 35,500 members some of whom are over 90 years of age - I realised that farmers of ALL ages were prepeared to use Facebook!!!

The new page has a list of HELPLINES both at the top of the page and occasionally popped in as a post, there are at least 15!!! For different reasons, different areas etc. There are ones to phone, text and email! This is because when someone is completely stressed out and in distress, they can be beyond able to look for a helpline. Knowing it a fingertip away might make all THE difference.

[JamsHundred]

Do you believe in coincidence?

After the last World War, the Central Intelligence Agency ( CIA) and DARPA, began a program to gather ALL available information on US citizens. Everything about them. You can think about whether the intelligence agencies around the world have infiltrated everything, everywhere. This program was called: LIFELOG. https://www.wired.com/2004/02/pentagon- ... g-project/

There came a time when they discontinued this program. The date, 2-4-2004

On 2-4-2004 a new internet social network began. NOTE the dates. This was known as FACEBOOK. Instead of a clandestine gathering of personal data by intelligence agencies, participants willingly and gleefully divulged intimate details of their opinions, philosophy, lifestyles, activities.

I stopped particpating on Facebook the day I discovered they were tracking members online and OFFLINE. And. . .. . tracking their friends and connections mined from the electronic data.

[Saffy]

My group helps ease loneliness and isolation, we have an anonymous posting facility for people to talk about sensitive issues, Which DOES get used!!! What on earth do YOU think that has to do with anything you have written jamshundred? If you want to talk about something else, get your own thread.

And it is making a terrific difference, how do I know.....because our members says so.

There have only been two replies to my post on this page both of them negative, that is not helpful for those that may be considering joining now is it?!

Sounds like I best not ask you to join Judy....

[JamsHundred]

Gosh Stefanie, that was NOT a personal affront to you and I apologize if it seemed such.

It was information for folks who may not know what they are giving up by joining and participating in Facebook.  At the very least, their own privacy. . . . . but they are also endangering the privacy of friends and family.    Facebook was tracking ALL the activities of their members when they were OFFLINE as well as those they interacted with online, including using their GPS data from their phones. Not only was Facebook tracking you. ( and we do not know the extent of their current tracking), they were also reading the PRIVATE messages and private posts

.I certainly did not mean to insult you personally, what you are attempting is very thoughtful of others, but since you have responded, it is not outside the realm of the invasion of individual privacy that information your participants might share, believing it to be a "safe haven", could be used against them as our world,  and those who govern it, become more and more intrusive. One of the major pitfalls is perceived mental instability.  For those who think the information they share on Facebook privately, . . . is private. .. . . . . well. . . . it is NOT.

Judy

[Saffy]

At what point did I suggest a personal affront.

This thread is about a Group. A group set up to help people.

Edited to say, I am not suggesting that people join Facebook but for Facebook members to join the page if they think it will help them.

It is for UK members only.

[Louisa Gidney]

Just to expand on Saffy's idea of support but for those who cannot, or do not wish to, engage with Facebook, it might be an idea to list some regional alternatives.
Locally, UTASS - Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Society- was explicitly founded to address the issues of loneliness, lack of internet access and help and advice provision. This includes hosting social & arts events to enable socialising and networking. Northern Heartlands is a partner organisation on the community and arts side.
Are there any other comparable regional organisations?

[Saffy]

Good idea Louisa,

I will add it to our list of helplines etc if I can have contact details please.... and any others that people can think of!!!

We list this sort of thing as this is exactly what people need.

Helplines - etc here is one for the Hereford area - We Are Farming Minds - 0808 802 0070 - which is actually a 24 Hour Helpline: We run a FREE 24 hour helpline 7 days a week for farmers and their families within Herefordshire who are feeling distressed and need someone to talk to anonymously. They also arrange a supper occasionally, but its been difficult with covid.


And then there is - YANA (You Are Not Alone) - who cover Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcestershire - Call our helpline 0300 323 0400 for confidential support or email helpline@yanahelp.org.

Statistics say at least 66% of UK people are Facebook members now, more than I thought.

But people maybe don't want to call a helpline, but perhaps want some company, this is what we hope to provide. Once the numbers are there in each area, we are going to be able to meet up for a coffee, a supper club or a lunch....and we are nearly there... : )

Thanks Louisa.



Stephanie

[Saffy]

I am astonished
I have been SHORT LISTED for The British Farming Awards Digital Innovator Of The Year!!!!!! Because my wonderful friend Helen Finnerty entered me and put in loads of work!!! And because the whole admin team put in loads of work!!!! Thank you all of you !!!!!!Susan Findlay Helen Finnerty Brenda Bayliss Ben JONES Alan Owens William Anderson Kirstie Duncan
Because of this great page https://www.facebook.com/groups/112732123801466…

[Saffy]

I am astonished
I have been SHORT LISTED for The British Farming Awards Digital Innovator Of The Year!!!!!! Because my wonderful friend Helen Finnerty entered me and put in loads of work!!! And because the whole admin team put in loads of work!!!! Thank you all of you !!!!!!Susan Findlay Helen Finnerty Brenda Bayliss Ben JONES Alan Owens William Anderson Kirstie Duncan
Because of this great page https://www.facebook.com/groups/112732123801466…