Giving it some welly for Rural Support

Building on the success of the first Wellies to Work Day last year, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the charity and the services it offers. It calls on the public to put their best ‘boot’ forward by wearing their wellingtons to work and taking to Twitter to upload snaps and selfies of themselves to show their support for Rural Support. Launched with CSR partner, local wind energy company, Simple Power, the project aims to be bigger and better this year, welcoming on board Ulster Farmers’ Union as an additional supporter. Through the social media campaign, the charity aims to build momentum using the hashtag #WelliesToWork and raise the profile of Rural Support amongst the rural and farming community in Northern Ireland. Rural Support chief executive, Jude McCann, emphasised the need for increased awareness of the charity throughout Northern Ireland. “With mounting pressure on farmers and constant new challenges facing the rural community, the need for our services is greater than ever,” he said. “We are delighted to run this campaign for the second year and make more people aware that help is available through our dedicated helpline - 0845 606 7607. We would urge anyone from the farming and rural community who is struggling to cope to avail of this valuable service and speak to our highly experienced staff and volunteers. “With leading businesses and government Ministers involved last year, we would encourage even more people across Northern Ireland to participate in the fun initiative by simply wearing their wellies to work on Friday June 3, taking a selfie of themselves and their colleagues in their wellington boots and posting the photo using the hashtag #WelliesToWork with the message ‘Supporting @RuralSupport.’ “The most creative selfie will also win a fantastic prize, courtesy of Simple Power.” Since 2002, Rural Support has been helping farming and rural families across Northern Ireland on a wide range of issues, from physical and mental health, farming paperwork and financial issues. The charity provides support for the rural community through a helpline offering listening and signposting service.