New mental-health support scheme set up for farmers

A new initiative to support mental health among farmers and within rural communities has been launched by ICOS Skillnet.

This is the learning and development division of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).

Mental-health risks

The programme will start with two online workshops in June aimed at advising and helping participants to recognise and cope with mental-health issues.

The course covers the various mental health risks that can arise for farmers as lone workers.

It outlines how they can recognise the warning signs both in themselves and others, showing how they can engage with and support neighbours and family who are experiencing similar difficulties.

Mental-health supports

The course also outlines the supports available to farmers and how to access these; it informs on how to look after and improve their own mental health; and emphasises the importance of staying connected and managing stress.

ICOS Skillnet has teamed up with the Chris Mee group, one of the largest providers of health-and-safety-related education and training in Ireland, and the course will be delivered by a professional skilled in the area of mental health.

The workshops are designed to provide information including practical tips and advice that will be useful to all farmers at any time now or in the future.

Billy Goodburn of ICOS Skillnet said:

“It’s essential to understand that everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives.

“It’s good to know that this is a common experience for very many people and that people are not alone in this, even if their work or career has a solitary element to it, as in farming.

“This programme is about prevention and promoting ongoing good health in the farming community.”