TIR Dewi, a rural mental health charity operating in west Wales, was honoured by the Farmers' Union of Wales with its external award for services to agriculture during the Royal Welsh Show.

The charity was established by the Venerable Eileen Davies, Archdeacon of Cardigan and the now-retired Bishop Wyn in 2015.

With generous financial support from the Church in Wales (Diocese of St Davids) and the Prince's Countryside Fund, Eileen was able to establish Tir Dewi as a valuable helpline and support service for farmers in west Wales.

From its humble beginnings, when Eileen would distribute information leaflets to the local farming community, the charity has grown beyond expectations.

Presenting the award, UAC President Glyn Roberts said: "We are passionate about farming and for us it's more than a job – this is our way of life.

“But while we love working the land, rearing the animals and producing nutritious, wholesome food for the nation, it brings many challenges and struggles.

“It can be a lonely place out there and when you're dealing with the elements, hot or cold, wet and windy, and the tasks pile on you, it can all be too much and turn into a fight - mentally and physically.

“So it's comforting to know that charities like Tir Dewi are available to help our farming community and guide them through difficult times."

Gareth Davies, CEO of Tir Dewi, said: “Isolation is the norm for many farmers who also have to deal with the outcome of storms, the uncertainty of markets, future incomes and, now, the repercussions of a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine too, often on their own.”

Accepting the award, the Venerable Eileen Davies said:"The last seven years have taken a huge effort to recruit and develop a team of staff and volunteers who can respond and meet the demand for support from our farming communities.

“They have provided support on over 500 farms, helping around 2,000 individuals with a huge range of issues.”