NFU President Ben Gill will chair the morning session of the Rural Stress Information Network's national conference Rural Stress - Making a Difference on September 5.

The one-day conference will bring together those involved in helping people in crisis in rural Britain, examine their experiences of 2001, anticipate the challenges ahead and prepare to address them in partnership.

Speaking ahead of the conference at the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire Ben Gill said: 'Since the RSIN was formed in 1996 its value has been demonstrated time and again.

'In helping those trying to resolve their problems, the network remains committed to developing and improving the delivery of help to those in need in the most effective way.

'This conference will provide an extremely useful opportunity to discuss the issues impacting on this vital service.' The keynote speaker will be Defra minister Alun Michael. He will be joined by Dr Gordon Gatward and Dr John Wynn Jones, of the Institute of Rural Health. The afternoon session will be chaired by Baroness Byford, opposition spokesman on environment, food and rural affairs.