“A picture paints a thousand words" - this well-known phrase perfectly captures the essence of the Farmer Wellbeing Board,  designed to provide on-site information about various helplines and agencies that offer support to those in need in times of crisis.

It is a visual sign post for farmers on where to reach out for help

Farming is a profession and a business that comes with unique challenges, including heightened risks of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

These challenges are often made worse by financial uncertainties, unpredictable weather, social isolation, and the overall complexities of farming life.

This Farmer Wellbeing Board and accompanying wallet size information card have been designed in to raise awareness about the key factors that can create stress and to highlight the signs that may indicate the impact of stress on daily living.

There are a number of supports identified that a person can do to reduce the impact of stress  and improve wellbeing.

However, most importantly, the Wellbeing Board raises awareness about the practical, confidential and non-judgmental supports available when a farmer or family member feel they are struggling. 

Prioritising personal well-being is essential for the health of the farmer and their family. With this in mind, the board includes relevant helpline numbers of organisations that offer practical , confidential and non-judgmental supports. 

The boards also include a QR code which leads directly to a copy of the board with all of the information provided.

Using such helplines and/or reaching out to the organisations included on the board provide a good opportunity to access mental health professionals who can offer support, counselling, and crisis intervention.

It is an encouraging factor to reach out and seek support in the knowledge that such services offer confidential support and that your conversations are private.

These lines can connect farmers with local resources, such as financial aid and community support groups.

They can help navigate complex issues more effectively and offer advice on  practical ways to managing stress and improve overall wellbeing. This includes techniques for coping with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

In times of acute crisis, such as suicidal thoughts  or issues around self-harm, the helplines can provide immediate intervention and connect farmers with emergency services if needed.

By using the Farmer Wellbeing Board, farmers, their families, and those working in the agricultural sector can find the support needed to manage the unique challenges of their professions and improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The Farmer Wellbeing Board is a partnership  development with the HSE Connecting for Life Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention in Cavan Monaghan (Emer Mulligan) and Louth Meath (Rosaleen Dolan), development officers with Mental Health Ireland, Kim Doherty, Cavan Monaghan and Finola Colgan Louth Meath and the Midlands and Teagasc, health and safety specialist, Dr. John McNamara  and Francis Bligh.

Initially, the Wellbeing Boards  will be on display in Farm Marts, Regional Teagasc Offices, Agricultural Colleges  and Farm Stores in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath.

Plans are in  train to expand to the midland couties with a similar partnership. Funding for this initiative was allocated through HSE Connecting for Life Louth and Meath, with support from the National Office for Suicide Prevention.

Please visit here or contact below

[email protected]        

ki[email protected]

[email protected]

finola@mentalhealthireland.ie