A mental health initiative for farmers is being launched by Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).

There has been much concern over the affect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on rural communities, especially with the closure of rural social scenes, such as marts and pubs.

The programme will begin with two online workshops in June which will aim to help participants to recognise and cope with mental health issues.

“It’s essential to understand that everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives. It’s good to know that this is a common experience for very many people and that people are not alone in this, even if their work or career has a solitary element to it, as in farming. This programme is about prevention and promoting ongoing good mental health in the farming community,” Billy Goodburn of ICOS Skillnet said.

The course is free and will be held on 3 and 10 of June from 10.30am to 1pm.

Anyone interested in taking part can email ICOS Skillnet info@icosskillnet.ie or call Breeda Flood 086-827 7814 or Billy Goodburn 087-126 5542.