RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign shortlisted for national charity award

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

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate 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 People’s Choice Award – by visiting scvo.scot/vote - before 5pm on Friday 27 August 2021.

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 Scottish Charity Awards 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. We hope the campaign continues to encourage everybody to stay connected, to talk about how they’re feeling and to seek support when they’re struggling.”

RSABI is encouraging everyone in the agricultural community to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

#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.

On a small budget the campaign reached over 630,000 people on social media alone, and was featured in print, on TV and radio.

Nina Clancy, RSABI Chief Executive, said: “To be shortlisted in the Scottish Charity Awards and to be in the running for the People’s Choice Award alongside such inspiring charities and individuals is amazing. It’s another fantastic opportunity to share the #KeepTalking message – which is so important in farming, crofting and beyond. So many people and organisations were involved in the campaign, and it was this industry support that helped #KeepTalking reach so many people. We’re encouraging everyone in the agricultural community to get behind #KeepTalking once again by voting for us in the People’s Choice Awards.”

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. 

The full list of finalists for the Scottish Charity Awards can be found on the SCVO website.

Winners will be announced on 1 October in an online ceremony so that all finalists and attendees who wish to attend are still able to join the celebrations in a safe way, regardless of lockdown restrictions.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time and we are delighted to celebrate these achievements and successes through the Scottish Charity Awards. We had a record-breaking number of entries this year and each one demonstrated just how well the voluntary sector has responded and adapted to changes and restrictions over the past 12 months, which made shortlisting all the more difficult. Our 47 finalists showcase just how diverse our voluntary sector is and highlight the fantastic work that has been going on across the country during the coronavirus pandemic. The Awards are a great way of celebrating and recognising the people and organisations who make our voluntary sector a crucial part of every part of life in Scotland. Our finalists are fantastic and I would encourage everyone to support their favourite by voting in the People’s Choice Award.”

Photo Caption: RSABI Communications and Marketing Officer Norette Ferns