The number of calls for help from the rural community of Fermanagh have doubled in the last year, according to the Chief Executive of Rural Support, the charity for rural areas of Northern Ireland.

Jude McCann, speaking at the first of the charity’s roadshows in Enniskillen, said they are concerned about the pressures on the farming community at present.

Rural Support which was formed in 2002, in response to concerns about the Foot and Mouth crisis, provides free, confidential, face to face support and helps with easing the burden of debt, identify a way forward and supports people to take action.

The charity is currently dealing with around 170 clients but with the farming economic situation worsening, it is a big challenge for the the charity.

“We have decided to hold these roadshows to highlight the service offered to people, to people in distress or in financial difficulties, as a way to network other organisations in the community.

“Collectively, we have seen a significant increase in Northern Ireland but in Fermanagh our calls have doubled in the last year,” explained Jude.

Apart from Rural Support staff, a group of 35 volunteers provide support on the ground and they also engage with other community organisations.

While the charity has already appealed for more volunteers in the Fermanagh area to help with providing their confidential services, they are well short of the number of personnel they require.

Jude explained: “Of the volunteers we have, some are farmers, some are counsellors, and others are trained in the Helpline which is available from 8am to 11pm, seven days a week.They have a wide range of skills.” Jude says they need to be equipped to deal with the situation ahead.

“The outlook isn’t good and we are increasingly concerned about it. There is always hope that the situation is cyclical but I would appeal to people not to be afraid to seek help. Contact us before the situation becomes a crisis.” He said he was delighted with the response at the roadshow, the first in a series across Northern Ireland, supported by wind energy company, Simple Power.

The charity says that the volunteer team is at the heart of their service. Volunteers from rural areas across Northern Ireland give generously of their time, knowledge, expertise and experience and their activities include helpline cover, mentoring, farming guidance, counselling, promotion and outreach.

Anyone who wans to find out more about volunteering can contact Rural Support at The Lodge, Loughry College, Tel. 028 86760040.

The roadshow was attended by members of the farming and rural community, local businesses and councillors who were asked to pledge a call to action to assist the charity raising its profile to enable it to deliver its services more effectively.