For farmers in the uplands of Connemara, the isolated nature and rugged terrain of most of the farmland in the region, where mobile phone coverage can also be an issue, means that talking about mental health doesn’t come easy.

But with the right support, farmers and farm workers can appreciate the importance of taking that first step.

That’s according to the Rural Development Officer for FORUM Connemara, Sinéad Grimes, who recently spearheaded a mental health magazine launch specifically aimed at the farming community in Connemara.

The magazine, called ‘How’s Things?’, can be picked up for free in Keane’s of Maam Cross, Joyce’s in Recess, Keogh’s in Oughterard and The Country Shop in Letterfrack.

“Rural farming communities face a unique set of challenges,” said Sinéad Grimes. “A lack of social contact is high on the list, so farmers are less likely to discuss problems with peers.”

Sinéad works with FORUM Connemara, a community development company based in Letterfrack and funded by the Department of Agriculture and the European Union.

For the past 18 months, her role has been to change farmer behaviour, upskill farmers and their families and bring mental health and safety to the forefront of farmers’ minds.

“We know this publication won’t solve serious mental health issues, but it can start conversations, and talking helps break down stigmas, making it easier for those who need help to reach out,” said Sinéad. “That, in itself, is something worth doing.”

FORUM Connemara is currently working with 140 farmers across Connemara to change farmer behaviour, up-skill farmers and their families and bring mental health, wellbeing and safety to the forefront of farmers’ minds.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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