Farming brings unique pressures—financial instability, social isolation, and environmental unpredictability—all of which can weigh heavily on mental wellbeing. Recognising this, Mental Health Ireland, Teagasc, and the HSE (via Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention Emer Mulligan and Rosaleen Dolan) have come together to launch the Farmer Wellbeing Board initiative.
The Boards were officially launched on Tuesday, 17 December 2024 at Ballyjamesduff Mart, Co. Cavan. These A0-sized visual signposts are now being distributed to marts and agricultural outlets across the four counties, where they will be displayed prominently to provide farmers with practical, confidential and non-judgmental mental health information and support.
Each Board includes key indicators of stress, advice for maintaining mental health, and crucial contact details for relevant services. Wallet-sized information cards will also be made available, ensuring the message and resources are always close at hand. A QR code links users to a digital version of the Board, hosted by Teagasc on their Farm Health & Safety webpage.
The initiative aims to reduce stigma and promote early help-seeking among the farming community—a vital step towards sustaining both the people and the profession of farming.
Credits / Contributors:
In partnership: Mental Health Ireland, Teagasc, HSE Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention (Emer Mulligan and Rosaleen Dolan)
Links / Downloads:
For more on the Farmer Wellbeing Board, visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/farm-health–safety/