The new patron of the west Wales rural support organisation, Tir Dewi, is urging farmers who need help to contact its new freephone number without delay.

Sara Edwards, Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed and former BBC news presenter, joined farmers and other representatives of Tir Dewi at Carmarthen Livestock Market for the launch of the organisation’s freephone number and website - 0800 121 47 22 tirdewi.co.uk.

Ms Edwards said Tir Dewi was there to offer a listening ear for farmers and other members of the rural community in Pembrokershire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

“Please don’t feel lonely because Tir Dewi is there to help you when things are not going well for you,’’ she told farmers at the launch event.

She also announced that the new Bishop of St David’s, Canon Joanna Penberthy, had agreed to become the president of Tir Dewi.

The organisation’s key funding partners are the diocese of St David’s and The Prince’s Countryside Fund and it also receives support from donors.

Executive director Gareth Davies anticipates an increase in calls since the launch of both the freephone number and website and this means that more volunteers are needed.

“We are looking to recruit and train new volunteers to help with manning the telephone line and on case work so that our capacity will never fall below the level demanded,’’ he said.

Tir Dewi was launched 18 months ago by Canon Eileen Davies, Church in Wales rural life adviser for the diocese of St David’s, as a helpline for farmers in west Wales, using her own mobile number and the support of a small band of volunteers.

“In that time we have helped over 60 farmers and their families with their issues,’’ said Gareth.

“No two cases are the same and none are straightforward – the demands faced by our farmers are varied and endless – but I like to think that we have made a difference to all that we have met.

“Tir Dewi is there to help farmers cope. We are happy to talk on the phone or to visit farmers at their farms to help them find a solution. Our service is free, confidential and without shame, judgement or stigma.’’