Living in a rural idyll is not always idyllic - as the statistics relating to the increasing number of suicides amongst people living in rural areas bear grim testament. BSE, foot and mouth, TB, increased bureaucracy, falling prices for agricultural produce - these factors all conspire to cause stress to those directly and indirectly involved in farming. That is quite apart from other issues over which we may have little or no control, such as divorce, bereavement, children leaving home, moving house and so on.

Learning to recognise and deal with stress in yourself and others is the theme of a free workshop offered by PLANED in association with Pembrokeshire Rural Outreach (PRO). Workshop facilitator, Joan Evans, is a farmer's wife and mother, as well as being an experienced counsellor. Working with PRO to raise awareness of stress amongst farming families and other people living in rural areas, she has first-hand knowledge and experience of what pressures can trigger off stress in all its forms.

The one-day workshop hosted by PTP Quality Training in Haverfordwest aims to help participants look out for signs of stress, learn practical techniques for dealing with stress by setting and prioritising goals, and get back on track with life by regaining control.

The workshop takes place on Monday, November 24, and will be repeated on Wednesday, December 3. It is completely free of charge and is open to everyone living and working in rural Pembrokeshire. Lunch is provided and costs of registered child and dependent care can be reimbursed.

For more details and to reserve your place(s) contact Liz Thomas at PLANED on 01834 862113.

These workshops are part-funded under the Rural Stress Scheme which is administered by the WCVA on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government