The Moorland Association has donated £10,000 to the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT), in recognition of the immense pressure on gamekeepers, particularly this season.
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust provides an outstanding range of services for gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies, encompassing financial grants and advice, healthcare and emotional wellbeing, housing, educational support and advice on any other situation of concern.
The charity runs a confidential helpline, practical training and job related assistance.
Crucially, all contact with GWT is in strictest confidence. All the support measures are available not just to the gamekeeper themselves but also to their whole family.
Helen Benson, chief executive of GWT said: “We are so grateful for this donation from the Moorland Association, which will make a huge difference to our work. The past few years have been very difficult and gamekeepers and their families face a range of pressures, whether financial, emotional or sometimes their own or their families’ health. We aim to provide a complete wraparound service so that no keeper ever feels they have to face a problem alone.”
Andrew Gilruth, chief executive of the Moorland Association said: “Online abuse and harassment of rural workers is increasing, and we have seen organised incidents of sabotage and harassment by masked activists, sometimes arriving in very large numbers. This is distressing for the visitors to a shoot day, the rural workers themselves and children who in some cases have seen their parents being pushed, threatened or screamed at. GWT provides invaluable support to rural workers across the country, and their assistance can be a lifeline for those facing financial hardship, ill-health or emotional strain. It is a vital service for rural communities and we hope to raise awareness of the support that is available, not just to keepers but their whole family.”
The GWT has helped provide access to counselling and support for keepers facing online abuse or harassment, for families where a spouse or relative is unwell, all kinds of financial, career-related and tailored support for those seeking rural housing or assistance for keepers just starting their career or leaving the profession.
The Moorland Association also supports the GWT’s ‘Check In With A Mate’ campaign, aiming to tackle isolation in rural areas and ensure that rural workers have early access to support where needed.
Helen Benson continued: “One of our key messages is that an early conversation is key. Many rural workers are reluctant to ask for help for themselves but friends and family should keep an eye out and should always start a conversation before a problem becomes a crisis. When we support each other we can help overcome the stresses and strains of difficult situations. We urge everyone to check in with a mate – don’t leave it too late.”
The GWT can be contacted on — Jamie’s Helpline : 0300 1233088.