Agri Aware has announced the launch of its ‘Sowing Wellbeing in Every Field’ campaign, which aims to promote physical and mental health, as well as safety on farms.
The campaign – aimed at the farming community – has been launched with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Kicking off on 24 October, the three-week campaign will see the organisation sharing stories from farmers and those working in the agricultural sector.
Each week, Agri Aware will release a video, along with expert advice and contact information related to each of the topics, and it will provide support to the Irish farming community.
The first instalment will arrive this Thursday, 24 October, followed by releases on 31 October and 7 November.
The three people who will be sharing their stories are Nicholas King, a beef and sheep farmer from Co. Tipperary, then Kerrie Leonard, a dry-stock farmer and thoroughbred horse breeder from Co. Meath, and Andrew Bonham, from a sheep farm in Co. Westmeath, who works for Meath Farm Machinery as a sales specialist.
On Thursday 24 October, the first video will see King share his physical health journey, through his battle as an emotional eater to a healthy lifestyle.
In the 31 October video, Leonard will share her experience from a farm accident when she was six years old to where she is now.
Finally, on 7 November, Bonham will share his mental health journey and how he cares for his mental well-being, while sharing what it means to lose friends to the same struggles.
‘Start The Conversation’
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Agri Aware chairman Shay Galvin said, “This campaign is hugely important, as the three topics highlighted pass the door of many, if not all, farm families.
“The three farmer stories showcased in this campaign will highlight the battles those in the farming community have to deal with head-on, but also how they have overcome them.
“We hope that this campaign helps to raise awareness around farmers’ physical and mental well-being and farm safety, and showcase that it is OK to reach out for help, advice and support during the tough days.
“The hope is that those stories will start the conversation for those that are struggling and give them the confidence and tools to help overcome those struggles.
“No matter the weather, we are here to help sow the seeds of wellness, in every field.”
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