A Midland-based national charity dedicated to supporting rural communities has welcomed the creation of a new organisation.

The Warwickshire-based Rural Stress Information Network (RSIN), the national umbrella rural support charity based at Stoneleigh's Royal Showground, has welcomed the creation of Rural Stress South West which will provide a helpline and drop-in service for communities across the south-west of England.

RSIN's South West Project Officer, James Morrish, will be leaving RSIN at the end of April 2006 to take on the role of chief executive of the new charity.

Rural Stress South West will concentrate on providing a helpline and a drop-in service tailored to the needs of the rural communities of the South-west.

Bill Madders, chair of RSIN, said: "I am pleased to see that a charity dedicated to working at grass roots level with rural communities in the South-west is being set up.

"RSIN looks forward to developing a close working relationship with Rural Stress South West."

As the RSIN approaches its tenth anniversary it has also completed a major review of its current services and now plans to concentrate on its national helpline and information service, administration of the Rural Stress Action Plan Fund and Farming Help over the next three years.

Charity chiefs said they will continue to work in close cooperation with the Farm Crisis Network and other rural and farming organisations.

* For support, information and advice visit the RSIN's website at www.rsin.org.uk or contact the helpline which is on 024 7641 2916.