Social farming is helping to integrate refugees into Irish society, says Matthew McGreehan from Co Louth.

At Creag Ard Social Farm, people get the chance to increase their self-esteem and to improve health and wellbeing by taking part in day-to-day farm activities on a family farm.

We share our knowledge of the heritage and cultural traditions on our farm and in our area

“All our participants get a chance to learn about sheep farming life and take part in activities that give them a sense of achievement and job satisfaction,” he said.

“We share our knowledge of the heritage and cultural traditions on our farm and in our area.”

Louth’s local community development committee recently launched its “Healthy Ireland Plan for Co Louth” with its vision stating “A Healthy Ireland, where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential, where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society and is everyone's responsibility.”

McGreehan believes that social farming can bring that vision to reality and it should receive more funding to achieve that goal.

Certificates of participation

Three people received certificates of participation after they completed their social farming placement at McGreehan’s farm this week.

He invites three participants to come to his farm one day each week for 10 to 15 weeks. Most recently, these participants came through Turas, a community addiction support service from Dundalk.

Experience

Nicki Jordan, the Turas manager, said that “all three of them were glowing and beaming after their experience with Matthew. They thrived from their connection with the heritage and traditions on his farm and the beautiful natural surrounds. It was a fantastic opportunity for people living in an urban setting who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to work outdoors and be in nature.They all agreed that they would love to do it for longer, if funding became available”.

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