Macra members put wellbeing at the heart of rural communities

With farming often described as a way of life rather than simply a job, it’s no surprise that the challenges of long hours, financial pressures, and isolation can take a toll.

Recognising this, Macra members are stepping forward to contribute to projects that not only raise awareness but also provide real, practical support for farmers and their families.

In Mayo, the Taking Stock campaign, led by Mayo Mental Health Association (MMHA), is running for six weeks from late-September through October. The campaign is all about creating space for reflection, encouraging farmers to consider their mental health, work-life balance, and the pressures of running a farm.

Week three of the campaign placed a spotlight on young farmers and issues they face.

Macra members Robert Lally and Conor O’Rourke played an active part, speaking at local marts in Balla, Ballina, and Ballinrobe, and taking part in media discussions.

Their contributions, broadcast on Midwest Radio’s Tommy Marren Show and Farming Matters, brought the voices of young people directly into the conversation – people who are living the reality of modern farming and its challenges every day.

Meanwhile in Donegal, Macra members are lending their support to the Harvest of Hope Wellbeing Festival.

Taking place on Sunday 12 October at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, the festival is organised by Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) and Connecting for Life Donegal. Timed to coincide with World Mental Health Week, the event aims to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and make it easier for farming families to connect with supports in their community.

Alongside this regional work, Macra’s own mental health initiative, Make the Moove, continues to provide vital support for young people in rural Ireland. Always on hand to promote positive wellbeing, Make the Moove recently launched its EWE GO campaign, which encourages connection and physical activity as key tools in maintaining good mental health. It’s another example of how Macra is meeting young people where they are, whether on farms, in marts, or online, and ensuring they never feel alone in facing life’s challenges.

Both initiatives underline the positive impact of young people in rural Ireland when it comes to advocacy, leadership, and peer support.

As the pressures on farming communities continue to grow, Macra members are showing that they are not only the future of farming but also vital voices in building stronger and more resilient rural communities.