Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy and Covid-19

If you or someone you know could benefit from any support from one of the team during this challenging time, please get in touch.

Alan - Lead Chaplain: 07710 088 972

Stella - Associate Chaplain: 07486 314 738 / 01283 820110

[email protected]

The core work of the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy (DRC) is to provide pastoral care and a listening ear to the Rural and Agricultural Community in Derbyshire. In response to the restrictions being implemented by the government to limit the spread and impact of the Coronavirus (Covid -19), DRC will take steps to help remain connected to the rural community, whilst keeping the team safe.

Support from other agencies:

Horticulture - Perennial have a website, helpline and covid19 online contact form and are providing advice, information and support. 

Perennial

Farming Help providing support for farmers affected by Covid-19

The Farming Help Charities – Addington Fund, Farming Community Network (FCN), Forage Aid, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I), and RSABI, supported by The Prince's Countryside Fund - are working together to support the Farming Community during the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

This could be an anxious time for many farmers and farming families and periods of poor health or self-isolation may result in temporary practical difficulties on farm.

This helpline initiative is in conjunction with The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, The National Farmers’ Union, and the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

Utilising the Farming Help helpline (operated by FCN) and respective organisations/volunteer networks, we can offer the following local support. Get in touch on 03000 111 999 if you:

• Feel concerned or anxious and would like to talk to someone who understands farming, will listen to you and help you think through your options
• Would like help to draft a contingency plan to ensure you and your farm are prepared, should you be unable to work for a time.
• If you or people you rely on become ill or are self-isolating and you need to find help locally- we will endeavour to find support for you in your local area. We will source contact details of local organisations and groups who may be able to assist you in finding help to feed livestock, collect shopping or collect prescriptions if you are unable to do so. This directory will be revised and updated in the coming weeks and months.

Call 03000 111 999 or visit www.farminghelp.co.uk

You can follow these agencies via social media using the following:

• @countrysidefund
• @AddingtonFund
• @FCNcharity
• @forageaid
• @RABIcharity
• @RSABI
• @nfum

DRC Activities in light of restrictions

Bakewell Livestock Market - suspended until further notice.

Rural Social Groups: - Boylestone a rota has been set up to telephone members of the Boylsetone Group each week to check on their well-being and needs.  The Bamford Group has been cancelled indefinitely and most members are integrated into Bamford Chapel so will be supported by their own faith community.

Telephone contact only: 

• No farm visits until further notice
• The team will keep an ear to the ground for anyone that will benefit from telephone support.
• If we experience an increase in demand then RAD staff are on hand to support and help.

Social Media and website:

• The team will push out regular messages through Social Media, with a particular focus on people getting in touch with the DRC if needed.

Meetings: (All face to face meetings and gatherings have been cancelled until further notice)

• Where possible the DRC will continue meetings by using conference software. 

Funerals and other ministry:

• The chaplains will follow ALL guidance issued by their own denomination when / if taking funerals etc.