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farmfest

Taking place this summer, The Great British Farm-Fest will support Shout through a range of fundraising and awareness activities across the three-day event, including donation moments, charity games and on-site promotion of the service.

The festival will also help contribute to Hawkstone’s £40,000 annual funding for Shout’s helpline services for farmers, helping ensure life-saving support remains available for those who need it most.

Real impact for farmers

The existing collaboration between Shout and Hawkstone has already demonstrated meaningful impact. Between 12 August 2024 and 11 August 2025, the HAWKSTONE keyword led to 514 conversations with 441 farmers, with 42 people returning to the service for additional support.

The conversations also highlight the seriousness of the challenges many farmers face. One in eight conversations involved suicidal thoughts, and 1% required active emergency intervention due to imminent risk.

Many farmers who contact Shout describe experiencing work-related stress, isolation and financial pressure, often linked to long hours, unpredictable income and working alone in remote environments.

Young man greeting happy looking elderly man in wheelchair

Support that works around farming life

Support that works around farming life

Shout provides immediate, anonymous support via text, helping to remove many of the barriers that can prevent people from seeking help. The service requires no appointment and can be accessed from anywhere, making it easier for farmers to reach out around demanding and unpredictable working hours.

Conversations are supported by trained Shout Volunteers who listen, help de-escalate distress and support texters in identifying next steps. Where appropriate, texters may also be signposted to specialist organisations supporting the farming community.

As Francesca Hughes, Partnership Manager at Shout, explains:

“Farming communities face unique pressures, and too often those challenges are carried alone. Through our partnership with The Great British Farm-Fest, we want to make sure every farmer knows that free, confidential support is just a text away, any time, any day.”