As we welcome the winter months, we are reminded that the year is almost over! We can reflect on our activities during the year that has almost passed by. It’s the time of the year when we can reflect on making some positive changes to support the health of the families involved in the farming business.

Wellbeing Workshop For Farmer’s Family

CEO of Rural Support, Veronica Morris, shared her concerns for the farming families by saying that the farming industry faces many problems such as rising input costs, animal diseases, farm inspections, and rising interest rates. To handle these challenges, farming families must be mentally fit. She added that they have been asking the farming families in Northern Ireland to make their mental health a priority by participating in their free workshops called “Coping with the pressure of farming.”

The workshops are being conducted for farmers across Northern Ireland under CAFRE’s Farm Family Key Skills Programme. These are free and focus on how identifying the symptoms of excessive stress, developing mental health, exploring methods to build resilience, and getting specialist support for their mental health.

Srikanth/Pexels | Farmers' problems have only increased, especially after climate change

The workshops offer an opportunity for the farmers to improve their mental health. Improved mental health will enable the farmers to cope with their problems better. They will be in a better position to change their lifestyle and business practices which will positively impact them and the farming sector. The workshops will make farmers mentally competent to react to changes in the farming sector as farmers are constantly dealing with stress. This is why it's so important for farmers to look after their mental health and well-being. The farmers can even reach out to professionals for support in these workshops.

Kindel/Pexels | Mental stress can affect the ability to handle work pressure

Head of Farm Support at Rural Support, Gillian Reid, said that it’s not easy to talk about one’s mental health as it is not something that can be easily handled, but our workshops encourage them to talk to professionals who have knowledge and expertise in this field. He further added that these workshops would increase awareness among farmers of the signs of stress and how they can help themselves. They will also be able to recognize what other sources are available to help them. He encouraged all the farming family members above the age of 16 to attend the free resource so that they could thrive as a stronger and more resilient farming unit.

Cottonbro/Pexels | The free workshops will enable farmers to cope with the business pressures

Details of the last workshop are as follows:

Tuesday 22nd November 2022 – Kilmorey Arms, Kilkeel at 7:30 pm

Each has limited space available, so avail the opportunity now. Contact the Rural Support’s Farm Support Unit through their free phone number 0800 138 1678. You can also email [email protected] for more.