Mental Health Awareness Week concludes

Mental Health Awareness Week concludes tomorrow.

Many people and organisations got behind the initiative including the Ulster Farmers’ Union, helping to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health and highlighting that it’s okay not to be okay. 
Earlier in the month UFU rural affairs chair Jennifer Hawkes, stressed the importance of staying in touch with one another during these difficult times and how it can make all the difference to our mental health.

“We are currently finding ourselves in exceptional circumstances, the likes of which many of us have never experienced before. Now more than ever I would encourage you to stay in touch and look out for one another.

“Contact your family, friends your neighbours and think especially of those who live alone in rural areas.

“A simple five-minute call can make all the difference to someone’s day,” she said. 
If you are struggling during this time, talk to someone you trust, a family member or a friend, and you can also contact Rural Support.

“The local charity is the key organisation in Northern Ireland offering a listening and signposting service for farmers and their families. They do this through their helpline and Rural Support volunteers can help callers with a variety of issues including physical and mental health concerns.

The helpline is open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 9pm via telephone number 0800 138 1678.