A free festival aimed at tackling stigma, raising awareness and connecting the farming community and their families with vital mental health supports will take place this weekend in Donegal.
Research shows that Irish farmers experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts than the general population.
The Donegal Farmer’s Harvest of Hope is a new well-being festival focused on supporting the farming community. It will be held at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday 12 October.
Paul McDaid of Donegal Local Development Company CLG (DLDC), one of the event’s organisers, said they wanted to approach this important issue differently, by tackling it in a fun, festival-style format.
“The feedback we’ve received already from farming organisations has been overwhelmingly positive,” said McDaid.
“Stress and depression among farmers and their families is something we see daily, in marts, in the fields, and in our communities,” he added.
Over 20% of farmers are considered at risk of suicide, as many face barriers to seeking help, including stigma, lack of awareness of services and isolation, the organisers stated.
Ciara Wray of Suicide Prevention in Donegal, one of the event’s partners, said: “Farmers work in isolation and often don’t feel comfortable talking about their struggles. This event is about bringing people together in a relaxed, social setting where they can enjoy themselves, hear from speakers and connect with services that may one day make a life-saving difference.”
Highlights
The festival, coinciding with World Mental Health Week and the Green Ribbon Campaign, will feature a tractor showcase, guest speakers on farmers’ mental health, free health checks and exhibitor stands highlighting both local and national supports.
Keeping with the festival spirit, there will also be family activites and live music from Jason McCahill, a jiving competition featuring 2024 All-Ireland champion Alana O’Leary and appearances by social media influencer Donkey 262.
DLDC, Mental Health Ireland, the HSE, the IFA, Teagasc and Macra are among the supporters of the festival.
It will be held at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, 1-5pm on Sunday 12 October.
A free festival aimed at tackling stigma, raising awareness and connecting the farming community and their families with vital mental health supports will take place this weekend in Donegal.
Research shows that Irish farmers experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts than the general population.
The Donegal Farmer’s Harvest of Hope is a new well-being festival focused on supporting the farming community. It will be held at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday 12 October.
Paul McDaid of Donegal Local Development Company CLG (DLDC), one of the event’s organisers, said they wanted to approach this important issue differently, by tackling it in a fun, festival-style format.
“The feedback we’ve received already from farming organisations has been overwhelmingly positive,” said McDaid.
“Stress and depression among farmers and their families is something we see daily, in marts, in the fields, and in our communities,” he added.
Over 20% of farmers are considered at risk of suicide, as many face barriers to seeking help, including stigma, lack of awareness of services and isolation, the organisers stated.
Ciara Wray of Suicide Prevention in Donegal, one of the event’s partners, said: “Farmers work in isolation and often don’t feel comfortable talking about their struggles. This event is about bringing people together in a relaxed, social setting where they can enjoy themselves, hear from speakers and connect with services that may one day make a life-saving difference.”
Highlights
The festival, coinciding with World Mental Health Week and the Green Ribbon Campaign, will feature a tractor showcase, guest speakers on farmers’ mental health, free health checks and exhibitor stands highlighting both local and national supports.
Keeping with the festival spirit, there will also be family activites and live music from Jason McCahill, a jiving competition featuring 2024 All-Ireland champion Alana O’Leary and appearances by social media influencer Donkey 262.
DLDC, Mental Health Ireland, the HSE, the IFA, Teagasc and Macra are among the supporters of the festival.
It will be held at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, 1-5pm on Sunday 12 October.
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