I JOINED FCN in 2009, when it was still known as Farm Crisis network, as a volunteer, when we moved farms.

My background as a farmer and a nurse led me to want to help those in the farming industry, as FCN had supports family and friends after Foot and Mouth.

I soon found myself immersed in supporting, befriending and signposting farming families with issues related to the business, finance, health or family. It could be hard sometimes to gain trust and confidence, but FCN’s reputation, confidentiality and my background from a farming and nursing perspective helped with this

I then took over from Brian Warren as Coordinator for Devon – big boots to fill, but with the support and prayers from the volunteers, my family and church, I undertook this change for several years.

FCN started to shift from its focus on help in a crisis to early intervention and prevention which led to a change in name. Although met with initial resistance from some, it has opened more doors for collaboration, enabled us to be more pre-active and encourage families to come forward for help before it becomes a crisis as The Farming Community Network. We have a team of 20 + volunteers who undergo regular training in Mental Health, bereavement and pastoral care, as well as regular updates around TB, RPA changes to offer the best support to those with serve.

It has been a privilege and honor to help over 600 families since I joined FCN, from family disputes, health issues, challenging the RPA, missing persons, Farm Assurance Inspections, farm accidents and so much more over the last 15 years – which I couldn’t have done without the other volunteers and especially the support of my family: Will, Katie and Nick who often had to cope with changes to plans at short notice if an emergency arose. I know FCN will continue to thrive, now under Richard’s leadership and the team of volunteers.

Jo Jones
Devon