Farmers' Stress Support Gets Backing

On the day that new figures have highlighted an accelerating rate of suicides across Ireland, the NI Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew has underlined her backing to charity offering stress counselling and other support.

Harvesting and tending to sheep (pictured) may have long since ceased to be a calming activity as costs - such as diesel and heating oil - escalate on top of EC 'CAP' worries, along with other stressful demands.

She confirmed continued funding for the charity Rural Support, which, since 2001, has provided help to farmers and farm families suffering stress and has helped to train veterinary and other DARD staff to deal better with farmers who are subject to stress and trauma.

Through the Rural Support helpline, the charity provides a service which people can use to access practical help, advice and support from organisations such as the Samaritans.



The Minister said: "I recognise the importance of Rural Support’s role in providing assistance to farmers and farm families suffering stress associated with farming.

"They understand the issues that affect the farming and rural community most and work with the farmer and the farm family to help them deal with stress. 

An accelerated rate of change within the agriculture sector, risk of animal disease and financial pressures are challenges that face farming families.

"These combined with difficulties caused by regulations and legislation, and changing social environments including family breakdowns and isolation among older people can all contribute to increased levels of stress.



"I would urge farmers and farm families who are anxious or feeling stressed to contact Rural Support as soon as possible so that support can be put in place to help alleviate worries and anxieties," she said.

John Rankin, Chair of Rural Support, welcomed the funding announcement and said: "This funding will allow Rural Support to continue developing our outreach work and support farmers and rural families who are feeling worried or stressed.

"It secures our position for the next year and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with DARD and other key statutory, community and voluntary organisations with a role in rural areas in helping to build a strong base for our ongoing work."



Report have revealed that suicide rates in Ireland are now three times higher than what they were in the 1950s and 1960s.

See: Suicides On The Rise - But Ballymoney Folk Living Longest

(BMcC)