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Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, will open the ‘Cultivating Mental Wellbeing in Rural Ireland’ conference next Monday 20 November.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are co-hosting this national conference to mark International Men’s Day with the support of the Department of Health and the Heath Service Executive.
Looking forward to the conference, Minister Heydon said:
“I welcome this important conference on ‘Cultivating Mental Wellbeing in Rural Ireland’ which demonstrates my department’s commitment to improving mental wellbeing working in collaboration with other stakeholders. Tying in with International Men’s Day, it follows the expanded rollout of ‘On Feirm Ground’ an initiative I have supported that equips professionals working with farmers to engage them on the issue of mental wellbeing. Mental wellbeing is a societal issue but there are a unique set of challenges in rural Ireland. With a strong line up of panellists including academics, professional health experts, and those involved in primary industries, the conference will have a strong focus on supporting farmers, fishers, foresters in rural and coastal communities to cultivate positive action around mental wellbeing. The panel discussions will also include practical advice for any attendee concerned about a family member or friend.”
The 'Cultivating Mental Health in Rural Ireland' Conference will take place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Monday 20 November 2023. The conference will also be streamed live for those who can’t attend in person.
Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler said:
“Anyone can experience mental health challenges at any time during their lives, and events such as this are an opportunity for us to encourage farmers and their communities to reach out and use the available supports. Farmers are a priority group under Connecting for Life, our national suicide reduction strategy, and there are a number of initiatives addressing challenges faced by this group.
“Through the National Office for Suicide Prevention, I have funded initiatives such as ‘On Feirm Ground’ and the ‘Dying to Farm’ research study, both of which examine the issues that this group face and will help to ensure that we engage this group, and that mental health services respond to them in an appropriate and helpful way. Through this, and other initiatives we can help foster psychological wellbeing. It is imperative that we do more to reduce stigma around mental health, especially in the farming community and address wellbeing in rural communities.”
Fergal Fox from the HSE said:
“HSE Health and Wellbeing are delighted to partner with this important event as part of our ongoing work with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. Reaching out to the farming workplaces and scaling up the engagement with farmers on the topic of mental wellbeing specifically, allows us to address some of their needs and learn more from farmers themselves and those working in the agriculture industry.”
The ‘Cultivating Mental Wellbeing in Rural Ireland’ Conference will be streamed live. Registration is available from the following link: register.gotowebinar.com/register/5333648878136290911
International Men’s Day takes place on Sunday, 19 November. This is a global event that observes and celebrates the positive contributions and achievements of men while addressing important issues affecting men’s health, well-being, and gender equality.