Rural Support shining the light on health for older farmers

The Men’s Health Week initiative shed light on the unique challenges that men face when it comes to mental health and encouraged them to break the stigma surrounding seeking help.

As part of the initiative, Dr Aoibeann Walsh and Keelin Reilly from Rural Support attended and contributed to the ‘Connecting Men with Mind Fitness’ event held in Ulster University, Magee Campus.

The Men’s Action Network, Men’s Health Forum, and the Western HSC Trust promoted the MANifest programme designed in conjunction with the Public Health Agency. The event consisted of a series of keynote speakers and three ‘doing sessions’ covering physical activity and mental fitness, the Sedona method, and music and mind fitness.

Dr Aoibeann Walsh, head of social farming and innovation commented: “This was an excellent event and as part of the day, Rural Support had a platform to outline our Plough On project as an initiative promoting men’s mind fitness.

“We spoke on our positive experience of establishing groups for older male farmers across Northern Ireland through funding from The National Lottery Community Fund which provide social connections for men as they transition from full-time farming.

“Plough On aims to tackle rural isolation and increase social opportunities for older male farmers – helping mental and physical wellbeing through socialisation and participation in rural heritage/farming-based activities and excursions.”

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.

Rural Support was established in 2002 and provides a range of services for farmers and farming families across Northern Ireland including a support line.

It also provides face to face support through its mentoring programme.