On 10 September 2026, Rural Support will launch Miles for Rural Lives, a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign inviting people across Northern Ireland to walk, run, cycle, hike, organise tractor runs or take on their own personal challenges in support of local farmers and farming families

Launching on World Suicide Prevention Day with a hike in the Mournes, the campaign will run until September 2027 and forms part of Rural Support’s 25th anniversary year.

Keelin Reilly CEO at Rural Support said: “For 25 years, Rural Support has walked alongside farming families through some of their most difficult moments. Miles for Rural Lives is about encouraging people to move in a way that works for them, raise vital funds and help start conversations that can make it easier for someone to reach out for support.”

Over the next 12 months, individuals, workplaces, schools, community groups, clubs and rural organisations will be invited to take on miles in whatever way suits them, raising vital funds to help Rural Support continue delivering confidential, practical and compassionate support to farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland.

Miles for Rural Lives is a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign inviting people across Northern Ireland to walk, run, cycle, hike, organise tractor runs or take on their own personal challenges in support of local farmers and farming families.

placeholder image — Miles for Rural Lives is a year-long fundraising and awareness campaign inviting people across Northern Ireland to walk, run, cycle, hike, organise tractor runs or take on their own personal challenges in support of local farmers and farming families.

Rural Support is encouraging participants to register their challenge, share their miles and invite friends, family and colleagues to support their efforts throughout the year-long campaign.

Launching the campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day reflects Rural Support’s ongoing commitment to promoting wellbeing, reducing stigma and encouraging people to reach out for support when they need it. Through the funds raised, Rural Support will continue to deliver its vital farm business mentoring service, providing practical business, financial and technical guidance to help farming families navigate challenges and build resilience. The charity also offers confidential counselling, bereavement support and plays an active role in promoting suicide awareness across rural communities, encouraging early intervention, reducing stigma and ensuring that no farmer or farm family faces difficult times alone. These services are a lifeline for many across Northern Ireland, helping people protect both their livelihoods and their wellbeing.

Miles for Rural Lives will run from September 2026 to September 2027 as part of Rural Support’s 25th anniversary year, raising funds and awareness to support confidential help for farmers and farm families across Northern Ireland.

Every mile matters. Every conversation matters. Every life matters.

Over the next 12 months, individuals, workplaces, schools, community groups, clubs and rural organisations will be invited to take on miles in whatever way suits them

For anyone needing support, Rural Support's free and confidential Support Line is available on 0800 138 1678, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm.

Rural Support would like to thank its funders, NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), for their support of our counseling and suicide awareness programmes.

To organise your own individual or team challenge as part of the campaign, email [email protected] or sign up online.