Rural Support Celebrating Successful First Year of Ballymacbrennan Plough On Group

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Rural Support Celebrating Successful First Year of Ballymacbrennan Plough On Group

Rural Support are marking one year of their Plough On group in Ballymacbrennan which has proved a great success.

The Ballymacbrennan group commenced in February 2023, meeting in the Old Ballymacbrennan School House near Saintfield led by Group Leader Christina Murray and helped by volunteer Norman McMordie. The group has grown rapidly from 11 men at the first meeting to over 20 men by the sixth meeting. The group have enjoyed trips to SlurryKat, Cherryvalley Farm, AFBI Hillsborough and been involved in demonstrations by a woodturner and local Beekeeping Society. In January, the men tried their hand at bowls at Belfast Indoor Bowls Club, which proved a highly entertaining and somewhat competitive afternoon!

The Plough On project aims to tackle rural isolation and increase social opportunities for older male farmers by offering participants the chance to connect with other like-minded individuals on areas of shared interest such as farming, rural heritage, and history.

Benefits of participation include improvements to the farmers’ emotional and mental wellbeing by being part of a new male network focused on farming life, and for the men’s wider farming family who report on the positive impact they see after each monthly meet-up. Group Leader Christina Murray noted, “There have been lovely friendships created amongst the group, and it is a fabulous opportunity for the men to meet up and talk.” The feedback from the participants has also been very positive with one saying: “I really look forward to the monthly events, to meet people and enjoy the banter.”

From its inception in July 2021, Plough On has become integral to how Rural Support the farming community in Northern Ireland. Project Co-Oordinator, Shannon McCullagh stated: “Plough On is such an important initiative to support our rural farming communities. Being out on the ground you can see firsthand how much the men’s lives have changed from being involved. It has given them such a lift! We are very grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our vision and providing the funding which has made this project possible.’

If you would like to find out more, or to support this project and other services and programmes delivered by Rural Support, go to the NI Farm Support hub at www.ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone the Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Monday-Friday 9am-9pm.

Mental Armour – Dealing With Unhelpful Thoughts

Life is hard. That’s a real ‘feel good’ statement to start off a mental health blog, isn’t it? Life is hard. If you’ve just sat up on the sofa for a quiet read in front of the fire, that’s the kind of opening line that could throw a dampener on your enthusiasm. Half the people who started this article have likely binned me off after that one. Jokes aside though, if you’re old enough to have an interest in this topic, you’re probably old enough to know its true – life is hard. I’m not of course saying that life is bad, or life is terrible, just that life is seldom easy.

I have a 5 year old son and a 3 year old daughter. Becoming a father has been the biggest blessing in my life. It’s been a new chapter for me, and has totally changed my perspective on everything. Like most parents, I would do absolutely anything for those two children. They give me so much, and bring such joy to me and my wife. But it’s hard. Being a parent is hard. My kids have got really different personalities; my son is shy and sensitive. He likes his routines and his own spaces. He isn’t easy round people he isn’t familiar with. My daughter, in contrast is a ball of energy that can bounce off in any direction that takes her fancy. You could catch her berating the postman if he didn’t leave the letters on the doormat in a manner that she found acceptable. And so when it comes to parenting you have to try and manage those different personalities to give them both what they need. And it’s hard. At times they can take the breath from you and leave you wondering what to do! At times I struggle with it and I make mistakes. Parenting dominates most of the discussion between me and my wife. And we are both in agreement of how difficult it can be. Though with some of the looks she gives me at times, I can tell she thinks being married to me isn’t exactly a basket of fruit either.

I guess what I’m saying is there are things, and I include relationships in this, in all our lives that require high levels of commitment. And if it requires commitment, it’s usually demanding. It’s usually time consuming. It’s usually hard. These things generally become the main cornerstones of our lives. For me, it’s being a dad, being a husband and being a farmer. Those three things are pretty much the ‘foundation blocks’ of my life. When these things in our lives are going well, they can bring us such satisfaction. They can make us so happy, tough though they may be. When they are not going well however, their demanding nature can start to take more than we have to give. It’s at these times, these ‘blocks’ can start to take their tole on our mental health.

Rural support are running a campaign this week on dealing with unhelpful thoughts. How important it is to build our own barriers against these things which attack our mental well being. ‘Mental Armour’ I’m going to call it. The reason I’ve talked about these foundation ‘blocks’ is that I would guess that most of our negative thoughts stem from issues within those parts of our lives that are important to us and in turn demand so much of us. What those ‘blocks’ are for each of us, will probably depend on what stage of life we are at. It’s inevitable though, at some point in our lives that something will go wrong with in at least one of these areas. We’re all realistic enough to know that. For example, at some point we will encounter a difficult moment with at least one of the significant people in our lives. Whether it be illness, grief, a relationship breakdown or something else. Professionally too we all will ride through different peaks and troughs too. Young people will have their own unique challenges to deal with as well. I think as we get older we look back and think how simple our life was when we were young. Realistically though, it didn’t seem that simple at the time.

In my first blog series in 2019 (link below), I wrote about the different things that contributed to my depression back in 2016. One of those was the way I handled the now infamous, global milk price crisis. Looking back I can see how personally I took something that wasn’t that only personal to me – it was actually a worldwide problem. The longer our dairy herd went on losing money the more convinced I was that it was my fault and I should’ve been able to do something to stop it. That was a good example of an unhelpful train of thought gathering momentum until it felt like an out of control juggernaut in my life. We are of course, in the midst of another challenging time in the dairy industry with costs in the last year not close to being covered. I’ve been frustrated, I’ve been scunnered, I’ve been fed up. There were days last summer when between the weather and the milk price, I would’ve given our farm to a stranger in the street if they’d have asked me for it. Every dairy farmer reading this, at some point felt the same – it’s has been a really tough year for the industry. Very sore on farmers, with morale being kicked down to a pretty low point. We’ve felt undervalued and unappreciated by the government, the supermarkets and quite a few others. It affected my mood considerably last summer, running on in to the winter. At no point though, did I ever go down the rabbit hole of self blaming like I did in 2016. The reason for this? I’ve spent the last eight years building up my mental armour. It’s satisfying to know that when I needed it, it held firm. That’s what this campaign by Rural Support is all about. Building that armour up, so that when we face upheaval or difficulty, we have a structured plan in our minds to see out the storm.

Developing this mental armour is a very personal thing. It’s not one size fits all. That’s what makes mental health management such a challenge. If you break a leg, you go to theatre, get it set, wear a cast and hopefully it will heal. I appreciate that’s a very simplistic example, but I suppose what I’m trying to say, unlike a physical injury, each one of us will respond differently to a mental trauma and recovery could take any number of forms. In my last blog in 2019, I wrote an article called ‘repair and maintenance’ and I talked about how important diet, exercise, sleep and socialising were in keeping me mentally fit. Six years on I can add counselling to that list. I’ll probably talk more on the importance of speaking to a counsellor to me in the future, but it has probably become the most important mental defence I have. The ‘breastplate’ of my armour, I guess you could call it. What works for me though, is not guaranteed to work for everyone. That’s the challenge for us all – to find out what we need to do to keep in good mental shape. The guys at Rural Support have been encouraging us to use the ‘Catch It. Check It. Change It’ technique this week (link below) when it comes to dealing with those unhelpful thoughts. To be honest it’s a concept that is new to me, and my experience of CBT techniques, of which this is one, is pretty limited. I’ve found it interesting to read though, and I can see many similarities with this approach and my own recovery. The initial breakthrough ‘catching’ of the problem, followed by the difficult period of acceptance, and then the ongoing challenge of management. Each part of that process has a story and timescale of its own. It’s something that applies not just to negative thinking, but to nearly every mental health challenge that we know. Each part of that process is hard too. Acknowledging a mental health problem is hard. Accepting it is hard. Building ‘mental armour’ is hard. As I found out in 2016 though, doing nothing leads somewhere worse. Doing nothing ran me in to some serious problems. So the sooner we start this process, the easier it will be to fix. I urge you all to think about those unhelpful thoughts. We all get them to some degree, but just follow the process of ‘catch it. Check it. Change it’ and then make a judgement call if it’s something that you need to take further. If you don’t great and if you do, know that there is help. Know there’s a way to make things better. You just have to find what it is

Remember though, building mental armour is hard work, but generally hard work pays off. It did for me last summer

Thanks for reading. I know it was ‘hard’

Adam

If you have been affected by any of the topics in this article or would like to talk to someone about your mental health, please make use of the following links:

Reframing unhelpful thoughts – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk).

Adams first blog from 2018 can be accessed below:

www.adams2016.home.blog

Rural Support:

Support Line – 0800 138 1678

General Enquiries –  028 86760040

Samaritans:

Call 116 123

Heather Wildman Joins Rural Women Across Northern Ireland to host an Evening on Succession Planning

Women from farming families across Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to join with Heather Wildman of Saviour Associates for an evening of food, drama, inspiring stories and practical advice on planning for succession. Brought up on a family beef and sheep farm in Cumbria, and now living on a dairy farm in Scotland, Heather has over 30 years’ experience of working in the Agri-sector and is well respected for her work around succession within farm families.  

Establishing a plan for farm succession will ensure the most effective and efficient transfer of responsibilities and assets to the next generation. This discussion should involve everyone within the family who may be affected and respects the roles they may play now and in the future. A strong succession plan will help protect the farm business and farming family. Succession is often a difficult topic of conversation for farmers and can be the cause of significant stress and worry, but we need to address the elephant in the room and the woman of the household can often be seen as the driving force behind this conversation. 

Doreen Bolton, Health & Wellbeing Locality Lead, Northern Trust commented “Many farmers and farm families get caught up in the busyness of life that they do not think about planning for the future. Good succession planning is vital for farming families and provides structure to your estate in the most efficient way possible and makes provision for your loved ones in the future. This evening with Heather will be a relaxed fun evening which will remind us of the importance of planning ahead.” 

A participant who previously attended a Heather Wildman succession talk said, “Heather really made me think about the future and what it looks like for not only my farm business but also my family and myself. She made me realise that these discussions need to happen now and the importance of having everyone around the table. She explained things in a simple and effective way that really hit home with me and the importance of having a Will and Power of Attorney in place now. An excellent speaker, I would highly recommend.” 

This event has been organised by the Northern Health Trust, Rural Support, Compassionate Communities NI and Ulster Farmers’ Union, and will take place on Tuesday 16th April at 7pm at Glarryford Farmers’ Hall, Co Antrim. This is a subsidised event at £5 per person to include dinner. To book your place please visit https://www.ufuni.org/event/an-evening-with-heather-wilderman/ or call UFU HQ on 02890 370 222. 

If you would like support with the succession plan for your family farm or would like help in initiating those conversations, please call Rural Support on their free confidential Support Line on 0800 138 1678, open Monday – Friday, 9am – 9pm. 

Rural Support Celebrating Successful Agewell Award of Glenarm Plough On Group

Research undertaken by Rural Support indicates that Rural isolation and loneliness are a growing concern within Northern Ireland, especially within our farming community. To help address these concerns, Rural Support developed a project called Plough On which aims to tackle rural isolation and increase social opportunities for older male farmers.

One of the groups developed was Glenarm plough on group and it has been running since October 2021 and have 19 men registered. The Plough on project aims to tackle rural isolation and improve mental and physical wellbeing through socialisation and participation in rural heritage/farming-based activities and excursions, encouraging individuals to get and stay well – physically and emotionally.

On March 1st Glenarm group leader Maureen Currie and Volunteer Roy Kennedy attended the Agewell Awards at the Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena, and proudly won the ‘Supporting Local Older People Award’.

Shannon McCullagh, Plough On Co-ordinator said, “The Agewell Awards are an opportunity to recognise individuals and community groups who have displayed outstanding commitment to improving the quality of life for Older People in our community in Mid and East Antrim, so it was a true testimony to the Glenarm group on how much it positively serves the farming community in their area. I am so proud of the group for what they have achieved, its been such a pleasure working with them.”

If you would like to support a group, by donating regularly or a one-off occasion please contact Shannon on 028 8676 0040 or email shannon@ruralsupport.org.uk.

If you would like more information about Plough On please visit the NI Support Hub website www.ruralsupport.org.uk or contact their Support Line 0800 136 1678, open Monday – Friday, 9am – 9pm.

Adams Blog – Mental Health & Me

Wednesday 19th October 2016. Almost three weeks after my wedding day. I was sitting in the doctor’s surgery listening to the chat in the waiting area. I was laughing at the jokes being made and complaining in the right places about the weather and the time it was taking. Waiting rooms are awkward places. I don’t like them at the best of times. It was worse on that day though. What I really wanted to do was get up, walk out the door and be out of there. But I couldn’t.  The reason I was there was a rash on my arm. My very new wife insisted I see the doctor for it. When my name was called I got up, and headed down the corridor to the doctors surgery. I glanced at the front door on my way by and wished I was going out it. I knew though if I went home now, I couldn’t bluff Laura off when I got there.

I showed the doctor my arm. Psoriasis was the diagnosis. I knew it was psoriasis. I’d seen it before. A man I worked with was covered with it. It appeared on my elbow shortly after coming home from a few days in Donegal after the wedding. He smiled at me and said a cream should sort it out. If the one he prescribed didn’t work he’d give me another one. He set about printing the prescription. My head was pounding and I could feel the sweat running down my back. It felt surreal. Like it wasn’t me sitting there. It’s a hard feeling to explain now – I was there but I wasn’t there. He reached me the prescription.  Appointment over. He expected me to get up, say my thanks and go. I wanted to. I wanted to take the prescription and run out the door. But I knew I’d have to face Laura when I got home. She wouldn’t be angry. She wouldn’t shout. She wouldn’t say I’d wasted my time. She’d just make me come back.

‘What would be causing the psoriasis I asked?’ he shrugged,

‘It could be any number of things’, he said. But he was looking at me closer now.

‘Could it be stress, or something? Something like that?’  I asked looking at my shoes. They were my Fred perry white canvas shoes. I remember distinctly. Good shoes. At least id have good shoes on when he told me what was coming

‘It could be. Are you stressed Adam?’

I looked up at him and then away again. I’d lectured myself while I was getting ready at the house. When I was brushing my teeth. On the way down in the car. Sitting in the waiting room. Whatever you do, don’t do this Adam. And now it happened. I looked at the fred perrys again, and I started to cry.

The passage above is from a blog I wrote during mental health awareness week in 2019. It details the first time I went to the doctor about the way I was feeling. The fact I went to my GP wasn’t that significant, more the fact that it was the first time I admitted to a professional that I needed help. I suppose it was the first time I let my guard down to the outside world. The first proactive step I took in my journey with depression. A journey which is now entering its eighth year. Looking back, it was a pivotal moment in my life.

One thing I learned in the aftermath of writing that blog in 2019, was that mine is not an uncommon story. Just a story not commonly told. Five years later though, I do feel that things have moved on. If I wrote that blog today, it maybe wouldn’t hold the same ‘wow’ or shock factor that it did back then. I suppose that signifies progress. Progress at a time where feel good stories have seemed thin on the ground in the world. With Covid, Ukraine, Middle East etc etc we seem to be lurching from one disaster to the next. In the midst of that though, there has been a greater public awareness of the mental strain, both these and personal events, can have on ordinary everyday working people. While that needs to be celebrated, there is still the acknowledgment that we have a long way to go. And I suppose that’s where this blog is attempting to find its place.

Since writing that original blog five years ago, my eyes have been opened to some of the great work done by mental health charities in our local communities. Charities that maybe flew under the radar for a long time as the stigma of mental health seemed to push them into the background. Slowly though, these charities have moved into the mainstream and their public awareness has grown. Their work now celebrated instead of being silently acknowledged due to the awkward subject matter. One such charity is of course Rural Support. As someone involved in agriculture and rural life, it’s a charity that i have an understandable affinity with. I’m excited by the opportunity to be a part of their mental health programme going forward  and to provide a first hand account of dealing with a mental health condition in this unique industry that we all cherish.

Over the coming months were going to be looking at a range of topics, from dealing with negative thoughts to specific farming related issues such as managing mental health through TB. I want this blog to be topical and relevant to the agricultural community and by using the knowledge and experience of Rural Support I’m sure it can be. I’m looking forward to a new journey with it

Adam

If you have been affected by any of the topics in this article or would like to talk to someone about your mental health, please make use of the following links:

Rural Support:

Support Line – 0800 138 1678

General Enquiries –  028 86760040

Samaritans:

Call 116 123

Adams first blog from 2018 can be accessed below:

www.adams2016.home.blog

Rural Support Receives CPD Accreditation for their Boots on the Ground Programme

Rural Support have recently received CPD Accreditation for their Boots on the Ground Programme. This course has been developed to provide those working within the Agri-sector with a basic understanding of mental health issues and a knowledge of how to engage supportively with farmers experiencing stress, including how and where to seek help. These situations often impact the employee and so the training includes how to manage their own emotional wellbeing.

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) exists to ensure that an individual enhances their skills and abilities whilst further learning is progressed in a structured, practical and relevant way to guarantee that there are applied efficiencies to the learning.

Gillian Reid, Head of Farm Support at Rural Support said, “We are delighted to receive this recognition for our Boots on the Ground Programme which is already making such an impact within the Agri-sector This programme has now been assessed to the highest standard, reassuring participants of the high quality of content and delivery which will enhance their professional skills and abilities. We now look forward to working with more companies and organisations so that together we can help our farming families and ultimately strengthen the Agri-sector in Northern Ireland.”

Boots on the Ground was first established in Spring 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic as many agri-sector employees felt they were the farmers confidante and having unprecedented conversations – particularly around mental health – and these were having an impact, both on the farmer and the agri-employee. Since then, this programme has been delivered to various industry bodies across Northern Ireland including vets, insurance companies and meal merchants to name but a few.

CEO of Rural Support Kevin Doherty commented “I am so proud that we as a charity organisation have received this accreditation for our mental health awareness training programme, Boots on the Ground. This will empower individuals to take charge of their own learning and development and for us as a charity to grow and progress our stature within the agricultural sector. I must also congratulate our staff for the hard work and dedication for getting this recognition over the line, it is a fantastic achievement for Rural Support.”

If you would like to enquire about a ‘Boots on the Ground’ training session for your organisation, please contact our Farm Support Team by emailing farmsupport@ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone the office on 028 8676 0040.

You can also find out more about the wide range of services and programmes available at Rural Support by visiting the NI Farm Support hub at www.ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone their Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.

Jubilee Farm – Social Farming in Northern Ireland

Rural Support delivers the Social Farming Support Service for Northern Ireland, supporting farmers delivering Social Farming and promoting the service for those who could benefit from participation. There are currently 17 farms delivering a Social Farming service across Northern Ireland to approximately 90 individuals with a support need. The Social Farming Support Service operates with a vision of Social Farming being widely recognised and understood in Northern Ireland, with farmers delivering high-quality Social Farming services across the region for individuals in need of support, that are valued by all, accessible for all, and supported by sustainable resources.  
 

Jubilee Farm is a 13.5-acre space in Larne and has been delivering Social Farming with support from Rural Support since 2019. The farm is based on the ethos of Creation Care, where in stewardship it is farming and conservation in partnership. All aspects of Jubilee Farm are given the opportunity to flourish, including the people. It is Northern Ireland’s first community owned farm, developed under a share offer where 150 people bought into the idea and concept raising funds to buy the farm. From there it has developed into a community centred place where everyone is welcome, equally.  

There are many aspects to Jubilee Farm from its conservation plan, regenerative farming principles, to how it operates day-to-day. It is chemical free, with a no-dig policy and all animals are organic fed with a commitment to high welfare. Farm operations rely on an agroecological approach and each person working, volunteering, or visiting the farm will get a chance to experience this. In action this produces a range of vegetables, pork, and eggs that can be purchased at the farm.   

Farm Manager Tim Davies is the lead facilitator of Social Farming at Jubilee Farm. His skills base is diverse across horticulture, conservation, animal welfare, and social care work supporting a variety of individual needs from youth to additional physical and mental needs care. Registered volunteers assist with Social Farming days and contribute to the community energy of the farm as well as the wellbeing of all involved in Social Farming sessions.  

Each Wednesday and Thursday Tim welcomes two groups of three adults with Learning Disabilities through a contract agreement between Rural Support and the Northern HSC Health Trust. Each person enjoys the much-needed green space of Jubilee Farm, caring for animals, planting seeds, horticulture care, and creating an environment welcoming to biodiversity. Dedicated in all-weathers the six individuals attend weekly – it is their farm on those days, and they take on projects to develop and build on skills, confidence, and wellbeing.  

Tim commented on the importance of Social Farming, “Connecting with all aspects of Jubilee Farm, agriculture, nature and community involvement promotes better wellbeing, develops communication, confidence, contentment and life skills. Social Farming contributes to the life of the farm as well as moving and progressing at a pace suitable for each individual. Having them here is a great opportunity to experience different things that are beneficial to their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The social aspect works both ways, it is of benefit to them but also to our regular volunteers and our staff. Getting involved in various tasks helps to ensure they remain active, learn new skills and feel a sense of ownership at the farm”.  

Social Farming is a service delivered by farmers as an innovative use of agriculture to promote therapy, rehabilitation, social inclusion, education, and social services in rural areas. There are multiple benefits from Social Farming for both the individuals involved and the rural economy.  

The service Jubilee Farm provides is allowing participants to benefit from being in a natural, outside environment, grow in confidence as they learn new skills, have the opportunity to care for animals and plants, develop new relationships with people, have a role on the farm and a feeling of doing something worthwhile while allowing them to be integrated into the local community. 

If you would like to hear more about Social Farming or are interested in being involved, please contact Rural Support’s Social Farming Support Service on 028 86760040 or socialfarming@ruralsupport.org.uk

To find out more about the range of services and programmes available at Rural Support, go to the NI Farm Support hub at www.ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone the Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.  

Mission: Farm Strong – Health & Wellbeing Events for the Farming Community at your Local Mart

Farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland are invited to attend ‘Mission: Farm Strong’ at their local mart this February and March.

These are awareness events for all members of the farming community to encourage them to carefully consider their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing and is supported by the Rural Chaplaincy, Farm Families Health Checks, Health & Safety Executive NI, Rural Support, Ulster Farmers’ Union and the Northern Ireland Agri-Rural Health Forum.  

Rev Kenny Hanna, Rural Chaplain within the Presbyterian Church, who was one of the instigators of this idea said “We are delighted to be hosting these events within 6 marts across the province. The idea came from a conversation with the Farm Families Health Checks team at Balmoral Show as we wanted to give a fresh take on their blood pressure checks programme. From there, the plan grew and we are very grateful that so many organisations were willing to get involved. We are excited to meet with the farmers on their home turf to encourage them to carefully consider their physical, mental and spiritual health & wellbeing. The Rural Chaplaincy will be travelling to all 6 marts in a New Holland tractor, kindly sponsored by Burkes of Cornnascriebe and we will be meeting with several local primary schools along the way to help promote our messages of a positive health and wellbeing for all. We look forward to seeing you all there.”  

At the marts, farmers and farm families have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Ulster Farmers’ Union, Health & Safety Executive NI, Rural Support and the Northern Ireland Agri-Rural Health Forum. Individuals will also be able to avail of free blood pressure checks which will be provided by the Farm Families Health Check Van. Marts that are participating in the ‘Mission: Farm Strong’ events from 10.30am – close are:

  • Wednesday 21st Feb – Kilrea Mart
  • Thursday 22nd Feb – Enniskillen Mart
  • Friday 23rd Feb – Ballymena Mart
  • Saturday 24th Feb – Clogher Mart
  • Friday 1st March – Rathfriland Mart
  • Saturday 2nd March – Markethill Mart

Dr Rebecca Orr, Rural GP and Chair of the Northern Ireland Agri-Rural Health Forum commented “This is an excellent opportunity for the farming community to avail of in support of their own physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Given that blood pressure checks will be performed at each mart we have chosen to fundraise for the British Heart Foundation. This amazing charity is doing great work across Northern Ireland and we have had the pleasure of partnering with them on our recent health campaign. I would encourage all members of the farming family to avail of ‘Mission: Farm Strong’ in support of a stronger, healthier and more resilient farming community.”

If you would like more information in support of your health and wellbeing, please visit the NI Farm Support hub at www.ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone their Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Monday – Friday 9am-9pm. You can also call with the nurses at the Farm Families Health Checks van at your local participating mart.

Rural Support gets Behind the Annual Yellow Wellies Mental Health Campaign

Each year in February, Yellow Wellies launch their mental health awareness campaign entitled ‘Mind Your Head’, which Rural Support is a great supporter of.

Together with Farm Safety Week, Mind Your Head has become a key focus in the farming calendar in the UK. The campaign reminds those living and working in the farming community of the importance of looking after their mental and physical health and how they intersect.

Gyles Dawson, Head of Therapeutical Services & Crisis Support at Rural Support commented, “We are delighted to support such a valuable and meaningful health campaign. Just as we all have a physical health that we need to look after, we have a mental health which requires the same attention. Statistics will state that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue each year, I would argue however that this is 4 in 4. We all experience mental health challenges within our lifetime, but it’s how we recognise and rise to those challenges that makes the difference. We should start to ask ourselves the questions – how can I look after myself better?”

There are many small changes that we can make to our lifestyle to improve our mental wellbeing. By doing so it will help us deal with and manage difficult times in the future. Over time, it can also reduce our risk of physical health problems. Here are several changes that you may wish to consider when taking steps to improve your mental health and wellbeing:

  • Eat a balanced diet – try to reframe from too much sugar or caffeine,
  • Try to get 8hrs of sleep per night,
  • Participate in regular exercise,
  • Connect with others,
  • Try to get off farm and do something just for you,
  • Practise mindfulness techniques – simple breathing exercises,
  • Make yourself a priority.

Rural Support understands that farmers navigate lots of external influences such as debt, increasing paperwork, disease, farm inspections, market volatility as well as family dynamics; and therefore struggle to make their mental health a priority. To help address this, Rural Support provides a listening and signposting service for farmers and farming families across Northern Ireland through its free confidential support line. They also provide various programmes, mentoring and counselling support to help with farming challenges, financial concerns and personal issues such as bereavement and farm succession.

If you are in need of support or would like more information of the services and programmes that Rural Support provide, you can visit their website www.ruralsupport.org.uk or call their free confidential Support Line on 0800 138 1678, open Monday – Friday, 9am – 9pm.

Plumbridge Livestock Mart Raise over £14,000 in aid of Local Charity

Plumbridge Livestock Mart recently held their annual charity auction to help raise awareness and vital funds for Rural Support.

The charity auction saw many local companies and individuals from the area donate various agricultural items such as grocery hampers, agri merchant vouchers and agricultural services such as haulage, mulching and fencing to name but a few. Items were displayed within the animal ring and then members of the audience could bid for their favourite item from the auctioneer.

Commenting on the fantastic success of the event as the chosen charity, CEO of Rural Support Kevin Doherty said, “What an exceptional effort made by Plumbridge Mart! We are just delighted that they chose to fundraise for Rural Support and to help raise the profile of the charity. Rest assured, that 100% of all funds raised will help farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland in support of their farm business. A massive thank you must go to all who were involved and participated in this event, we truly appreciate your support.”

Melissa Wylie, Rural Support Crisis Support Co-ordinator, was there on the day of the event, raising awareness to members of the audience of the work Rural Support provides to farmers and farming families across Northern Ireland; whilst highlighting the importance of support when it is needed and looking out for yourself and those around you, to help run a successful farm business and work together as a farming family.

If you are interested in raising awareness and funds for Rural Support through an event you are organising, please reach out to the team today. Contact Clodagh Crowe, Head of Development & Strategic Engagement, by emailing clodagh@ruralsupport.org.uk or call the office line on 028 8676 0040.

To find out more about the range of services and programmes available at Rural Support, go to the NI Farm Support hub at www.ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone the Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Monday – Friday 9am-9pm.

Farm Support Charity sees 40% Increase in Demand

The pressures facing the Agri-sector seem to be relentless and more challenges lie ahead in what is a rapidly changing environment. The impact these are having is reflected in the 40% increase in calls and referrals to the farm support charity, Rural Support

Gillian Reid, Head of Farm Support at Rural Support commented, “The rapid pace of change within this sector is really taking its toll on our farmers and for many it is simply overwhelming. When added to significant pressures from weather, rising interest rates, input costs and market uncertainty, it gives the term resilience a whole new meaning. Not forgetting many of our farmers work alone for long hours, seven days a week which is physically very demanding. Within Rural Support we need to be equipped to deal with this increased demand and so have recently recruited additional Farm Business Mentors and Counsellors so we can continue to meet these needs as they are presented.’’

Rural Support is the farm support charity for Northern Ireland offering confidential support through its Support Line which is the main point of contact to access other services. Free impartial guidance is available to all farm family members through a wide range of programmes and services to help farmers and farm families build sustainable farm businesses and develop better wellbeing. These include 1-1 Farm business mentoring, emotional support to include support for bereaved families, workshops, group activities, and programmes for older farmers.

Gyles Dawson, Head of Therapeutical Services & Crisis Support at Rural Support said, “We are helping farming families to get their business and their life back on track – the whole Agri-sector is reliant on the farmer – the stronger and more resilient the farm family is, the better their business will be, and this will have a positive impact on the wider Agri-sector. Therefore, the work that Rural Support perform is vital to the sector to ensure a more resilient, sustainable and profitable farming community.”

Services are unique in that this 1-1 support and guidance from Farm Business Mentors and Counsellors often takes place in the privacy of the family home and at no cost to the client. Mentors have a wide range of skill sets and experience and will offer completely confidential and impartial support for a wide range of issues.

If you are in need of support or would like more information of the services and programmes that Rural Support provide, you can visit their website www.ruralsupport.org.uk or call their free confidential Support Line on 0800 138 1678, open Monday – Friday, 9am – 9pm.

Plough On group produce collection of reminiscences from the farmers of County Down

Memories of farming life from the 1940s are recorded in a collection of personal stories from the men of Rural Support’s Plough On Hilltown and Rathfriland group. The Plough On project, delivered by Rural Support, aims to tackle rural isolation and to increase social opportunities for older male farmers. Established in November 2021, the group in South Down has grown to fifty members who have enjoyed monthly meetings and trips allowing them to connect on areas of shared interest such as farming, rural heritage, and history. 

Assisted by Group Leader Martina Byrne and volunteer John King, the group were tasked with creating a legacy project to represent their time together and agreed that recording the memories of each man would be a wonderful record of farming in their area from times gone by. The collection covers the transition from horses to tractors, the community threshing days, rakin’ houses, Tilley lamps, keeping hens to keep the house, the potato inspector, and thoughts about how farming has changed in the present day.

Published by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the book is a rich collection of reminiscences, each different in their details, but also comfortingly similar in remembering ways of life now gone, the sacrifices previous generations made for their families, and the steely strength of the farmers and farming families of County Down.

Storyteller Stephen O’Hara was drafted in to help the group, commenting “It was a privilege to work with the farming men of County Down, and to hear first-hand their memories of farming, from childhood until retirement. I think the result is an important oral history, which could only have been put in print now, as the ways of life described are largely consigned to history. In a few years from now, the project would be impossible. The men who contributed have preserved their histories for future generations. Credit is due to the funders and managers of the project, for recognising the value of this work”.

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Rural Support’s Plough On project will establish 17 groups across Northern Ireland. To learn more about Rural Support’s range of services and programmes, all of which are free of charge, visit the Farm Support Hub on www.ruralsupport.org.uk. The team can also be contacted via the Support Line which is available 9am-9pm, Monday to Friday (voicemail and options available at all other times), call free on 0800 138 1678. 

Rural Support Close off a Busy Show Season at the Winter Fair

On Thursday 14th December, The Rural Support Team set their show stand up for the final time this year as they headed off to the Royal Ulster Winter Fair.

The Winter fair closes off a very busy 2023 show scene for many and especially for Rural Support who were at most of the local shows across Northern Ireland, supporting farmers and farming families this year.

The Winter Fair was a fantastic success for Rural Support, engaging with many farmers, farming families and stakeholders. Commenting on the day Kevin Doherty, Chief Executive of Rural Support said,

“We have really enjoyed this final show of the year and we would like to congratulate RUAS on another successful show. It has been an extremely busy year for Rural Support with outreach and on the ground delivery and this is an excellent way to mark the end of our show season.”

The Winter Fair also saw the launch of Rural Support’s ‘Boots On the Ground’ Road Show. This road show training course is in response to Agri-sector employees often being their client’s confidante, and perhaps the only external person the farmer speaks to from one week to the next. As a result, they are having unprecedented conversations – particularly around mental health – and these are having their impact, both on the farmer and the Agri-employee. This Agri-sector training programme called ‘Boots on the Ground’ is specifically designed for those working within the sector and dealing directly with farm families. Content includes a general awareness of mental health, how to engage supportively with someone experiencing difficulty and sources of help available. It also provides self-care tools – to deal with the impact on the employee. 

Also given that often they themselves are the bearer of unwelcome news, the training looks at ways to do business that minimises the impact on the emotional health of the farmer and the wider family unit.

Gillian Reid, Head of Farm Support, commented “Our Boots on the Ground Programme helps Agri-sector employees gain the confidence to engage in conversations with farmers feeling under pressure and increase their knowledge of support networks available and how to access them. We have several workshops organised for January 2024 open to all individuals involved with the agricultural sector.

Spaces are limited so it’s important to book your place as soon as possible. Registration at each workshop opens at 9am at a cost of £30pp, with tea/coffee served upon arrival. The dates and locations of the workshops are:

•            Tuesday 9th January 2024 – Kelly’s Inn, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone

•            Thursday 18th January 2024 – Drummond Hotel, Ballykelly, Co Londonderry

•            Wednesday 24th January 2024 – AFBI, Hillsborough, Co Down

•            Wednesday 31st January 2024 – Glarryford Farmers’ Hall, Co Antrim

If you wish to participate in any of the workshops or would like to have your own bespoke workshop for your Agri business, then please contact Victoria by emailing victoria@ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone 028 8676 0040.

If you would like to find out more about the range of services and programmes available at Rural Support, go to the NI Farm Support hub at www.ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone the Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.

Tom Perry Raises £10,250 in aid of Rural Support, Life Beyond Programme

Saturday 29th July saw Tom Perry smash the Irish Lamb 9-hour shearing record. Tom and his team took on this challenge to help raise awareness and funds for Rural Support.

Taking on this record was no easy task. Tom had been training, preparing, and working extremely hard all year to make the record attempt possible. He has had a fantastic team of people working away in the background, helping to make it all happen.

Rural Support were delighted to catch up with Tom and his team to receive the fantastic donation from the event. Tom raised an amazing sum of £10,250 for Rural Support’s Life Beyond Programme.

Life Beyond provides a unique combination of support, specifically tailored to what each family needs, with an all-in approach that incorporates various aspects of the farming family and the farming enterprise that has been affected by the loss. It provides farm business, financial and technical mentoring support, alongside emotional health, and bereavement counselling including trauma support where needed. It also works with farmers and their families where there is a terminal diagnosis within the family, in order to help them plan and to give them space to spend with their loved ones. 

Commenting on the donation, Kevin Doherty, CEO of Rural Support said, “It was great to catch up with Tom and his team and we are just delighted with the fantastic amount of money Tom and the team have raised for Rural Support’s Life Beyond Programme. This has helped to raise the profile of Rural Support and our work across the nation and further afield, at the same time. We are so grateful to Tom and his team for everything they have done for the charity”. 

Through this event and record attempt, Tom has helped raised awareness of Rural Support and their work with farmers and farming families, highlighting the importance of support when it is needed and looking out for yourself and those around you to help run a successful farm business and work together as a farming family.

If you are interested in raising awareness and funds for Rural Support through an event you are organising, please reach out to the team today. Contact Clodagh Crowe on clodagh@ruralsupport.org.uk or call the office line on 0288676 0040.

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