A mental health and wellness initiative, Farm Well Hub, is being launched today (Thursday, October 10) with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

It is designed to support the mental and physical wellbeing of farmers across the country and is a collaboration between Amella Coaching, Outsource Digital Marketing and the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA).

Farm Well Hub is described as more than just a platform; it is designed to be a community dedicated to the unique challenges that come with farming.

By bringing together expert resources and farmer-led stories, Farm Well Hub aims to address issues like stress, isolation and physical health that can sometimes be overlooked in the demands of agricultural life.

Anne-Marie Doran from Amella Coaching & Consultancy said: “We understand that farming is not just a profession; it’s a way of life.

"We will be contacting all the Irish farming organisations in the coming days to share our initiative with their members in a collaborative approach to put mental health and wellbeing to the fore.”

Mental health support: Resources and guidance to help farmers manage stress, anxiety and other challenges;
Physical health advice: Expert tips on nutrition, hydration, sleep, and maintaining physical wellbeing;
Webinars: A series of five expert-led webinars addressing crucial topics in farmer wellbeing;
Real farmer stories: Testimonials from farmers sharing their personal journeys with wellbeing.

As part of the initiative, Farm Well Hub is hosting a five-part webinar series, each designed to tackle the most pressing issues in farmer wellness:

October 16, 2024, at 8:00p.m: Mind Over Matter: Understanding and Improving Mental Health - this session will place mental health in the context of farming, exploring the value of farming to the community and offering a conversation on various wellbeing topics. Speakers: Finola Colgan (mental health consultant) and Gavin Canning (Canning Farms);
October 23, 2024, at 8:00p.m: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Isolation and Loneliness - this webinar will address the impact of social isolation on farmers' mental health, offering practical strategies for building social connections and support networks. Speakers: Annette Parker (mental health nurse and counsellor) and Sarah Fanning (HSE Social Prescribing Initiative);
October 30, 2024, at 8:00p.m: Healthy Habits: Mindset, Nutrition, Sleep and Exercise for Optimal Wellbeing - a comprehensive session on the importance of balanced nutrition, sleep and regular physical activity, with practical advice for farmers to integrate healthy habits Speaker: Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny Hurling All Star);
November 6, 2024, at 8:00p.m: Hope and Healing: Suicide Awareness and Prevention - this crucial webinar will discuss suicide awareness in the farming community, offering insights into recognising warning signs and providing support for those in crisis. Speakers: Gina Delaney (mental health consultant and George Brogan (ASSIST and Safe Talk);
November 13, 2024, at 8:00p.m: Battling Demons: Addressing Addiction in the Farming Community - focused on addiction in the farming community, this session will cover various forms of addiction, underlying causes, and treatment options, featuring stories of recovery. Speaker: Eamonn Kelly- Enterprise, Training & Social Enterprise coordinator at Wexford Local Development.

Farm Well Hub is designed to be a 'one-stop shop' for farmers’ wellness, providing access to relevant and easy-to-apply advice.

Whether you are looking for help managing stress, improving physical health, or connecting with others in the agricultural community, Farm Well Hub can offer support.