Helping to raise awareness on physical health, mental health and farm safety among the farming community, Agri Aware is delighted to announce the launch of its ‘Sowing Wellbeing in Every Field’ campaign, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Over the course of the three-week campaign, which kicks off this Thursday, October 24th, Agri Aware will be sharing stories of farmers and those working in the agricultural sector who will be speaking about their physical health, mental health and farm safety journeys.
Each week, a video will be released along with expert advice and contact information related to each of the topics to raise awareness and provide support to the farming community. The first video, which will be released this Thursday (24th), will see beef and sheep farmer, Nicholas King from Co. Tipperary, share his physical health journey, detailing his struggles as an emotional eater that led to weight issues, to now being physically healthy and confident in himself.
Also sharing their story, will be Kerrie Leonard, a drystock 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.
In the second instalment, Kerrie Leonard will share her experience of being involved in a farm accident when she was six years of age to where her she is now, being active on the farm and breeding thoroughbred horses.
Lastly, Andrew Bonham from Co. Westmeath will share his mental health journey and detail how he went about improving his mental wellbeing whilst losing some of friends during that time to the same struggle.
‘OK TO REACH OUT FOR HELP’
Speaking at the launch, Agri Aware chairman, Shay Galvin stated the importance of the campaign 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 can have overcome them.
“We hope that this campaign helps to raise awareness around farmers physical and mental wellbeing 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 these 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,” he said.
The second instalment will be released on Thursday, October 31st and the last on Thursday, November 7th. To find out more about the campaign, see agriaware.ie or on the Agri Aware social media channels @agriaware.
