Farmers' Stress Support Gets Backing

On the day that new figures have highlighted an accelerating rate of suicides across Ireland, the NI Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew has underlined her backing to charity offering stress counselling and other support.

Harvesting and tending to sheep (pictured) may have long since ceased to be a calming activity as costs - such as diesel and heating oil - escalate on top of EC 'CAP' worries, along with other stressful demands.

She confirmed continued funding for the charity Rural Support, which, since 2001, has provided help to farmers and farm families suffering stress and has helped to train veterinary and other DARD staff to deal better with farmers who are subject to stress and trauma.

Through the Rural Support helpline, the charity provides a service which people can use to access practical help, advice and support from organisations such as the Samaritans.



The Minister said: "I recognise the importance of Rural Support's role in providing assistance to farmers and farm families suffering stress associated with farming.