A SERVICE set up to help farmers cope with stress made its first appearance at the West Devon Help Centre this week.

Stresscare — in partnership with the Farming Crisis Network — has completed a research project looking into the stress suffered by farmers.

It is now in a position to act in a suporting role to the West Devon Help Centre which has been set up in Hatherleigh by West Devon Council, NACVS, Citizens Advice Bureau and BIP.

Stresscare co-ordinator Caroline Keane said the research, which involved five West Devon doctors' surgeries, was completed in order to secure funding for the project.

'The research has been completed and the need has been proven,' said Ms Keane.

'Farmers were in crisis before foot and mouth. The research project was put into operation six months ago. Now, as a result of the worsening situation with foot and mouth the need has accellerated to the extent that we have had to pull everything forward and put it into operation much earlier than anticipated.'

She said the results of the research had shown there was now a greater need for help than had first been thought.

'We can help support the farmers and their families to identify their needs. We can also look after their well-being in the face of the present disaster,' said Ms Keane.

'This way they can be helped to appraise the situation and decide which direction to take in a detached way.'

She says such help can assist farmers to cope with the emotional side and make rational moves forward.

'The stress factor in the farming community isn't going to allow them to see clearly into the future unless we sort it out. This is an attempt to put that into place for the benefit of the farmers, their families and associated businesses that have also lost out.'

Ms Keane said she was 'delighted' that the Stresscare project was now launched. She was particularly pleased that it had worked towards the present goal 'hand-in-hand' with other emergency services.

Stresscare can be contacted on (01822) 610546.

l The West Devon Help Centre is at Hatherleigh Methodist Chapel on Tuesdays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm; Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm. Today, however, it is open from 11.30am.

It provides information on the foot and mouth outbreak and also offers advice on various other matters. Citizens Advice Bureau and Council for Voluntary Service will be present at every session. Appointments can also be made to meet with a West Devon Business Information Point (BIP) advisor.

The Help Centre can also be contacted on (01837) 811185 or email: [email protected]">[email protected]