“On Feirm Ground equips trusted professionals coming in regular contact with farmers with the skills to spot the signs of a farmer who may be struggling.”
On Feirm Ground 2, an expanded programme to raise awareness and support farmers’ health and wellbeing, was launched on day one of the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska. The On Feirm Ground 2 programme is an initiative that brings together the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and HSE Health and Wellbeing to develop a training programme for agricultural professionals to engage with farmers on their health and wellbeing.
This programme is a continuation of the first programme which delivered the training to agricultural advisors. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon, speaking at the event, said that the health, safety and wellbeing of farmers are “critical for the social sustainability of Irish agriculture. On Feirm Ground equips trusted professionals coming in regular contact with farmers with the skills to spot the signs of a farmer who may be struggling and how to signpost them to appropriate supports”
He said that while Government initiatives cannot ensure the mental wellbeing of every individual, they can “complement communities” in looking out and supporting each other.
“It’s also about us instilling that sense of ‘meitheal’, and that people know to look after their neighbours and communities,” Mr Heydon continued.
Minister Heydon was joined by Minister of State at the Department of Health Hildegarde Naughton who said:
“This project will help provide farmers with access to important supports to maintain and improve their physical and psychological wellbeing and the partnership approach adopted by both government departments is an example of Healthy Ireland in action.”
It is a three-year programme and will be delivered by the Men’s Development Network in collaboration with ENGAGE, Ireland’s national men’s health training programme. For more information about this new programme, get in touch with the Men’s Development Network [email protected].