* A new business support service to help TB affected farmers understand and minimise the financial impacts of TB.
A positive TB test can cause farmers and their families a lot of stress. FCN volunteers can provide support and advice to help you:
- understand the process
- deal with the authorities
- reduce the financial impact on your business
If you would like our help, please ring the helpline on 0845 367 9990 to be put in contact with a local volunteer.
If you know someone who you think would benefit from our help, please ring the helpline on 0845 367 9990. They will put you in touch with the local FCN co-ordinator who will discuss the best way to offer help.
If you would rather write or email, details are on our contact page.
How can we help ?
Once you have contacted us, we will listen to your problems and help you find the best way to deal with your specific issues and circumstances. This often includes:
Independent advice
We have trained our 300 volunteers in TB best practice, with advice drawn from many sources. We are not experts in everything to do with TB but we know who to talk to. You can rely on us to tell you the truth; whether or not it is what you want to hear.
If you are in a TB hotspot there is plenty of advice available. We can suggest the best people for you to talk to and help you get the information you need. In areas where TB is not endemic we can help you and your community learn how to deal with TB and prevent it spreading.
Mediation
We have built good relationships with local officials and often act as a bridge between farmer and officials mediating and translating in both directions.
Practical and emotional support
Our volunteers can help explain the TB testing and decision making process, so you understand what you need to do and what to expect at each stage. They can support you in dealing with the required paperwork and officials to help everything run as smoothly as possible.
Financial advice
We understand how TB can restrict your business cash flow and can help you manage the problem, take advantage of all feasible marketing opportunities and avert a financial crisis. If you genuinely cannot afford professional advice and there are no local sources of accessible business advice, FCN’s Business Support Group (BSG) can provide advice on your business and family finances. At present the project is only funded for farmers in England.
Who can we help?
We will help anyone in the farming community who has been affected by TB. We don’t mind whether you are pro or anti badger, have strong views about the scientific evidence, live in a hotspot or are an isolated case in an otherwise TB free environment. In particular, although we are a Christian organisation we are committed to helping people of all faiths and none.