Rural Payments and Services

RSABI is a unique Scottish charity which has played an integral part in the agricultural community for over 100 years.

From providing modest financial assistance to 16 tenant farmers at its first AGM in 1897, it has grown to offer a range of support and financial help to almost 700 people facing hardship today.

The charity’s vision is to relieve hardship experienced by individuals and their dependents who rely, or have relied, on land-based occupations in Scotland, by providing confidential financial assistance, support and a helpline.

“We assist people with backgrounds in agriculture, forestry, fish farming, rural estate work, gamekeeping crofting and horticulture”, Nina Clancy, RSABI’s Chief Executive explained.

“Everyone coming to us for help can be assured of confidentiality and empathy from our staff, who will provide support in a friendly, non-judgemental way.”

In addition to providing regular ongoing financial support to people who are no longer able to work and have limited income and savings, RSABI provides one-off grants for essential items.

This can include disability aids and adaptations, heating or car-running costs.

Help can also be provided towards general household costs to cover a period of crisis through, for example, loss of employment or illness. Grants are available towards the cost of skill training and accreditation where this will alleviate hardship.

RSABI can assist towards the cost of professional advice, such as the Whole Farm Review Scheme 2015, to help find a long-term solution.

Support from RSABI can be accessed through a confidential helpline by calling 0300 111 4166. The helpline is staffed from 7am until 11pm each day.

Callers can just talk to a listener who is sympathetic to life in Scotland’s land-based community, or find out where to get specialist help on such issues as debt, business advice, family support, alcohol dependency, disability support and depression.

John Macfarlane, RSABI’s Welfare Manager, said: “We have a proven record of providing support to farmers and crofters in difficult times. I have witnessed first-hand the benefit to people who have overcome feelings of pride and stoic independence and accepted help from us”.

Nina added: “Just ask - we do more than you think”.

As a registered charity, RSABI continues to rely on the generosity and support of all members of the rural community to enable it to significantly increase the number of people helped by the charity.

Check out the RSABI website at www.rsabi.org.uk