New Farmers’ Lotto Launched to Support RSABI’s Work

The year ahead is expected to be the charity’s busiest yet for providing services such as free counselling to farmers and others in the agricultural community who are struggling with their mental health.

In recent years, RSABI has strengthened its support services by making its Helpline (0808 1234 555) available 24/7 and introducing a Live Chat option on its website.

As demand for RSABI’s services continues to grow, the Lotto has been launched to generate a vital new income stream to help cover the rising costs of its essential services.

In 2024 RSABI supported 750 families in Scottish agriculture, with a 49% increase in new clients during the year and over 1,500 outgoing emotional support calls made to those feeling lonely, isolated or vulnerable.

As well as supporting the charity’s 24-hour Helpline and other emotional support services, the funds raised will help RSABI continue to offer financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to age, accident, ill-health, or disability.

Perthshire farmer and comedian, Jim Smith, RSABI’s #KeepTalking ambassador this week took part in a pre-lambing photoshoot on the farm to help launch the Farmers’ Lotto.

The Farmers’ Lotto will join a raft of new fundraising opportunities launched by the charity this year, including two challenge events: the Kelpies Challenge and Walk the Loch at Loch Leven as well as its rebranded supporters’ scheme, Friends of RSABI.

The launch of the Farmers’ Lotto has followed a year-long planning process during which RSABI has carefully considered the best approach to developing a professional lotto platform. The charity is working with an expert third party provider, Gatherwell, to ensure the lotto adheres to the highest standards of good practice to allow participants to raise funds for RSABI in a way that is fun and safe. RSABI is also a member of The Lotteries Council which ensures that the lotto is compliant and trusted.

The first draw will take place on Saturday 5th April, with The Farmers’ Lotto providing an exciting new way to support the valuable work of RSABI, while giving players the opportunity to win great prizes. Online tickets will cost £1 a week to be in with the chance of winning a jackpot of £25,000, as well as other prizes of £2,000, £250 and £25.

Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, said:

“We are always looking for innovative ways to fundraise and are pleased to have found a way which enables those playing to benefit, as well as helping to fund the lifeline services we are known for.

“We are very lucky and grateful to already have a broad range of support from the agricultural community and we are looking forward to the lotto offering an alternative way to raise much needed funds for services that hundreds of families in the agricultural community rely on.”

For more information on the RSABI Farmers Lotto or to purchase tickets visit www.farmerslotto.co.uk - Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours before the draw, but players can set up a direct debit for weekly play.

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.