On Feirm Ground programme awarded The Open University Shooting Star Award
The On Feirm Ground programme has been awarded The Open University Shooting Star Award. The programme provides training and support for agricultural professionals and service providers to better engage with farmers on their health and wellbeing.
Teagasc has been a long-standing supporter of the programme, helping with its development, piloting and delivery. The award recognises the On Feirm Ground programme as an adult learning initiative that is making a strong and meaningful impact in communities.
The programme provides a platform to mainstream a health promotion and prevention focus into routine farming practices. This programme is relevant to all frontline agricultural professionals and service providers who engage with farmers in the office, over the phone or on the farm. The course is a unit of the ‘Engage’ National Men’s Health programme and is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive.
The programme is coordinated by Men’s Development Network and was developed in partnership with Engage Training partners.
Recent research highlights the need for farmers to take time to recognise the signs of poor mental health and wellbeing, and also the need for farmers to seek help and support as soon as possible. A 2022 study found that 13.5% of farmers reported stress, but this declined to 8% following targeted support and interventions. This emphasises the positive impact of acting quickly and seeking help.
Teagasc advisors understand the positive impact of good health and positive wellbeing on all aspects of the farm business and family life. Managing the farm in a way that maintains a sustainable workload, with time for adequate rest and leisure, is very important. Teagasc advisors are available to help with advice on management of the farm. If things become challenging, they also have knowledge of the wide range of supports available for farmers if additional help is needed.
Teagasc works closely with the Men’s Development Network on the On Feirm Ground programme and with organisations like Mental Health Ireland, the HSE, the Department of Health, the National Centre for Men’s Health and many others to signpost farmers towards supports and resources.
Watch a short video about the On Feirm Ground Programme below:
Further information and support
- Contact your local GP or your nearest ED if it’s an emergency or phone 112 or 999
- Teagasc Farmer wellbeing resources
- On Feirm Ground – Engage Training
- Embrace Farm – Support after injury and loss – 085 770 9966
- IFA – Operates a confidential debt support helpline – 0818 924 853
- Spun out Text about it – Free, anonymous, 24/7 messaging service – Text Hello to 50808
- Contact your Teagasc advisor about farming matters
Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the following services:
- Your mental health – information and support – 1800 111 888
- Pieta – 24/7 Crisis helpline – 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444
- Samaratins – 24/7 helpline 116 123
- Let’s Talk About Suicide online training – Free, online, suicide prevention training programme that can help you to keep others safe from suicide
- Let’s Talk About Suicide Leaflet
- Lets Talk About Suicide Poster