May is Green Ribbon month, a month dedicated to encouraging people in Ireland to end mental health stigma.

Stigma is a barrier to recovery for many people but we hope, as an association, to work together this May to create a greater acceptance for people with mental health problems and put a stop to it.

Since taking on the position of chair of the Farm Family & Social Affairs committee, I have attended many different kinds of events and the issue of farmer welfare has been raised repeatedly.

The amount of pressure many farmers are under is not sustainable. This winter has been particularly harsh, with conditions on the farm proving very difficult at times. Many farmers and their families are feeling burnt out after the long winter.

As a sector, we need to take better care of our welfare and safety. We are always looking after other things – the family, the animals, the crops – but looking after oneself is not something we do automatically. It is so important that we take the time to look after our own health and mental wellbeing. To make a conscious decision to look after ourselves and prioritise our wellbeing.

The IFA is delighted to be one of the founding partners of the Green Ribbon campaign, which aims to promote greater understanding and acceptance of, and support for, people with mental health problems. Despite significant progress, people are often still ashamed to say they have a mental health problem.

For the last six years, farm families have shown their support for the campaign by coming out in force to enjoy a woodland walk to raise awareness and get informed of the supports available locally.

The beautiful woodlands provide tranquil surroundings for the walks and there is always lots to chat about over the important cuppa and cake at the end. Some of the walks will also have music and who knows what else.

Let’s Talk and Walk

woodland walk locations

The eight Let’s Talk and Walk woodland walks are organised in association with See Change, Coillte and Mental Health Ireland and will take place in the following locations during May:

  • • Ballycuggaran Woods, Killaloe, Co Clare on Sunday, May 6 @ 12pm.
  • • Avondale House & Forest Park, Co Wicklow on Sunday, 6 May @ 3pm.
  • • Portumna Forest Park, Co Galway on Monday, 7 May @ 3pm.
  • • Emo Forest, Co Laois on Sunday, 13 May @ 3pm. Meet at Emo GAA/Community centre.
  • • Lough Muckno Forest Park, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan on Thursday, 17 May @ 7.30pm.
  • • Doneraile Park, Co Cork on Sunday, 20 May @ 3pm.
  • • Ards Forest Park, Co Donegal on Sunday, 27 May @ 3pm.
  • • Raheen Woods, Castlebar, Co Mayo on Sunday, 27 May @ 3pm

    • Bring the family along

    The walks are not a fundraiser, they are free to attend. If there is a walk taking place locally, I would ask you to please join us and support your local walk. Bring the family or a friend and show your support for this very important campaign to end mental health stigma.

    I hope to make most of the walks, so look forward to meeting some of you along the way. CL