THE Rural Stress Information Network (RSIN) has welcomed plans by the Government to back a second Rural Stress Action Plan (RSAP) with a grant of £400,000.

The first RSAP, launched in November by MAFF, was administered by the RSIN and its partner farming charities to help farming families and rural communities even before the onslaught of foot-and-mouth disease.

The RSIN is a charity working to build a support network for all rural people in distress.

"I welcome this second action plan that will serve to strengthen the partnership already established between the charities and organisations under the first plan," said RSIN director Caroline Davies.

"It has enabled us to respond effectively to the unprecedented need for support from farming families and rural people over the past five months. We have worked in a partnership to deliver support to make a difference to those in distress."

The initiative was announced by DEFRA minister, Alun Michael, at the beginning of August.

For more information, phone the RSIN on 024 7641 2916.