Charity 'chuffed' to be shortlisted for awards

The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) is delighted to be shortlisted for two campaign awards for its work last year.

The RSABI’s 2020 #KeepTalking campaign has been shortlisted for Campaign of the Year in the Scottish Charity Awards (SCA) and is also in the running for the People’s Choice Award (PCA), which is voted on by the public.

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the SCA celebrates the "best of Scotland’s voluntary sector".

This year’s shortlist includes 47 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. While a judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the PCA by visiting scvo.scot/vote before 5pm on Friday, August 27.

RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture, was concerned about the effects of the pandemic on the agricultural community – particularly with the loss of the usual social gatherings such as trips to the auction market and agricultural shows.

Launched in May 2020, RSABI’s four-week #KeepTalking campaign encouraged everyone in Scottish agriculture to make the time to talk, check in with each other and to seek support if they were struggling – to stay connected even when alone.

Norette Ferns, RSABI communications and marketing officer, said: “To say we’re chuffed to have our 2020 #KeepTalking campaign shortlisted for the SCA is an understatement. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who was involved and the whole agricultural industry who got behind the campaign and helped to make it such a success. Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is an achievement not just for RSABI, but for the entire Scottish agricultural community.”

RSABI is encouraging everyone in the agricultural community to cast their vote for the PCA.

#KeepTalking was supported by a host of industry organisations and fronted by Perthshire farmer and TV comedian Jim Smith, with 12 auctioneer ambassadors on board. The campaign also featured a moving short film featuring a farming family affected by suicide.

RSABI’s helpline is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm on 0300 111 4166 and also offers a telephone call out service. Demand on RSABI’s helpline services increased dramatically last year, particularly for the call out service, as many people felt isolated. Prior to lockdown, around 30-50 people in the agricultural community were receiving a regular call from RSABI’s staff and volunteers, all of whom are mental health first aid trained. During lockdowns this rose significantly, with 150 people receiving a twice-weekly, weekly, fortnightly or monthly call.

Award winners will be announced on October 1 in an online ceremony. More information can be found at: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/finalists-2021

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