FARMING CHARITY RSABI has been shortlisted for two top national awards in recognition of its #KeepTalking campaign.

First launched in May 2020 as a four-week campaign to encourage the Scottish agricultural community to pick up the phone and support each other during the pandemic, it has since grown arms and legs and continues to resonate with the industry 15 months later.

RSABI was deeply concerned about the effects of Covid-19 restrictions on the sector with the loss of the usual social gatherings and wanted to ensure everyone stayed connected during such a long isolated period.

Read more - RSABI encourage people to keep talking

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

It 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.

The Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector and 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 the window closes on Friday, August 27. Winners will be announced on October 1 in an online ceremony.

RSABI Communications and Marketing Officer, Norette Ferns, 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," she continued. "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.”

 

Farmer and comedian Jim Smith fronted the campaign, and was joined by 12 auctioneer #KeepTalking ambassadors. The campaign also featured a high-impact video of a West Lothian farming family speaking openly about losing a member of their family to suicide which was hoped to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of talking.

Read more - RSABI #KeepTalking campaign lifts top PR award

RSABI's Chief Executive, Nina Clancy, 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.”

Chief Executive of SCVO, Anna Fowlie, said: “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.”

RSABI is encouraging everyone in the agricultural community to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award before 5pm on Friday, August 27 by visiting scvo.scot/vote

* RSABI’s helpline is open 365 days a year from 7am – 11pm, on 0300 111 4166.