AS National Young Farmers' Week celebrates the theme of 'belonging', young farmers across Cornwall have demonstrated the power of community by collectively raising £8,500 to support local bereaved children, young people and their families.

In 2025/26, Penhaligon's Friends supported 1,304 bereaved children and young people aged 0 to 18, representing an 18 per cent increase in demand compared to the previous year and highlighting a record need for childhood bereavement support services across Cornwall.

This year, Launceston Young Farmers and Warleggan Young Farmers chose to support the Cornish childhood bereavement charity, helping to ensure that local children and young people who have experienced the death of someone important to them can access vital support.

National Young Farmers' Week is an annual celebration of the Young Farmers' Club movement, highlighting the strong sense of belonging it provides to members and the important role clubs play within rural locations across Cornwall. With Young Farmers Clubs bringing together members aged between 10 and 28, their support for Penhaligon's Friends highlights the importance of raising awareness of childhood bereavement and the help available within their communities, should a young person ever need it.

This year, the two clubs supported Penhaligon's Friends through a variety of fundraising activities. Their efforts have included shearing events, Big Breakfasts, dung runs, Christmas tree collections, bingo nights and tractor runs, raising both vital funds and awareness of the charity's work.

Julie Parker, chief executive officer of Penhaligon's Friends, said: "We were delighted when Launceston YF and Warleggan YF both chose to support us this year. They have worked incredibly hard to fundraise, and it has been wonderful to visit meetings and events and follow their progress on social media.

"Not only are they raising money, but they are also helping to raise awareness of our services, enabling more families to know about the support available should they need it. Their enthusiasm and commitment to helping local charities is truly appreciated.

"We rely on grants and donations to enable us to provide support to more than 1,000 bereaved children each year. Community support like this helps us continue delivering our vital services and ensures we can be there for families in the future."

The clubs both recently hosted cheque presentations with Penhaligon’s Friends, donating £6,000 and £2,500 respectively, which will go directly into supporting families through groups and memory days. The fundraising achievements of Cornwall's Young Farmers demonstrate how young people can make a lasting difference.

Penhaligon's Friends welcomes opportunities to partner with Young Farmers Clubs across Cornwall, helping to raise awareness and ensuring that every bereaved child, young person and family both within and outside of rural communities can access support when they need it, in a way that's right for them.