Vital Mental Health Advice Issued to Local Farming Community

Recent research from the charity highlighted that financial pressures associated with the agricultural downturn were having a significant impact on farmers in Northern Ireland[i].

The insightful research revealed that the majority of farmers who were experiencing financial difficulties also had the poorest average mental health score which shows the impact the agricultural downturn is having on Northern Ireland’s farming community.

Following these findings, Rural Support and Simple Power are urging farmers to look after their mind and body and reassuring the agriculture community that help is available through Rural Support’s services such as its confidential helpline and on-farm business support.

Rural Support Chief Executive, Jude McCann commented: “Farm life involves long hours and can be very stressful. The added pressure of the agricultural downturn which has affected commodity prices, has not made things any easier for the farming community in Northern Ireland. 86% of farmers who participated in our research felt that their farm business had suffered a noticeable, big or severe impact as a result of the downturn. As they aim to plan for the future and keep up with agriculture developments, it can be easy for farmers to get stressed which, as a result, can have a negative impact on their mental health.

“Our message is to keep your body and mind in good health and to watch out for the signs of stress that include trouble with sleeping, irritability, frequent colds and feeling like you are at the end of your tether.  If you see or feel these signs, our advice is to take notice and take action - help is available.  Rural Support’s helpline number is 0845 606 7 607 and we can help with issues that are stressful or upsetting.”

Since 2002, Rural Support has been helping farming and rural families across Northern Ireland on a wide range of issues from finance and debt issues, succession planning concerns, physical and mental health issues, farming paperwork, technical and enterprise issues. Rural Support’s trained staff, volunteers and highly experienced mentors provide support both face-to-face or via a confidential helpline.  The charity can help to analyse current farm business positions, identify options and explore possible ways forward.  If you do require assistance or are experiencing a challenging period, you are encouraged to contact Rural Support as early as possible so that options can be explored.

For the past three years Simple Power has worked with Rural Support on campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing in rural communities and farm families.  Simple Power works in partnership with farmers across Northern Ireland and is committed to an on-going partnership with the local charity, providing financial support alongside awareness-raising and fundraising activities.

[i] http://www.ruralsupport.org.uk/pressures-downturn-captured-rural-support-research/