Programme to support farmer health and wellbeing expanded

On Feírm Ground 2, an expanded programme to raise awareness and to support farmer health and wellbeing, was launched at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska.

The On Feírm Ground Programme is a three-year programme and will be delivered by Men’s Development Network in collaboration with ENGAGE, Ireland’s National Men’s Health Training Programme. This project will help provide farmers with access to important supports to maintain and improve their physical and psychological wellbeing.

Funded in combination by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, it has created a training programme for agricultural professionals to engage with farmers on their health and wellbeing.

The On Feírm Ground 2 programme is a continuation of the first programme, which delivered the training to agricultural advisors. The second phase of the programme was launched by Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D, and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton T.D,

Making the announcement, Minister Heydon said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of farmers is critical for the social sustainability of Irish agriculture. Poor mental and physical health among farmers can be a contributor factor in serious safety incidents on farms. On Feírm Ground equips trusted professionals coming in regular contact with farmers with the skills to spot the signs of a farmer who be struggling and how to signpost them to appropriate supports.”

Minister Heydon continued: “The training delivered under the first On Feírm Ground programme provided agricultural advisors with the skills to engage with and signpost supports to farmers. This next step will see it expanded to others who work with farmers including private vets and staff working in my Department. I am also exploring further opportunities to provide the training to other groups who work with farmers.”

Martin Heydon T.D, Seán Cooke, CEO of the Men’s Development Network, Fergal Fox from HSE Health and Wellbeing and Hildegarde Naughton T.D, launched On Feírm Ground 2.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Naughton said: “Healthy Ireland is underpinned by a whole of government approach, and this requires the whole of society and in particular government departments to show leadership and become active partners in improving the health and wellbeing of the population. The commitment and vision of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to support the first phase of On Feírm Ground and to expand and fund this valuable programme for the next three years is very much welcomed. The Men’s Development Network have demonstrated their ability to deliver high quality programmes in the community and are well placed to develop and deliver On Feírm Ground 2”.

Click here for more information on the programme.

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