'Various initiatives' to promote farmer mental health 'being progressed'
"Various initiatives" to promote farmer mental health are being progressed, the Department of Health has said.
A department spokesperson told Agriland that the programme for government has "prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing and places a specific focus on farmer mental health and wellbeing, recognising the unique challenges faced by the sector".
'Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020)' focuses on developing a "broad-based, whole service mental health policy for all the population".
It also focuses on "promoting positive mental health and mental wellbeing across the population and throughout the lifespan of need", the department said.
Mental health initiatives
The department spokesperson said: "Various initiatives to promote farmer mental health are being progressed under Sharing the Vision, and Connecting for Life, our national suicide prevention strategy, continues to guide our efforts to reduce suicide and self-harm."
One of these initiatives is On Feirm Ground, a partnership programme of the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture.
This programme trains agricultural advisers, vets, departmental staff, farming organisations and other agri-professionals to recognise and respond to signs of stress or mental ill-health among farmers and refer appropriately.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) National Office for Suicide Prevention, together with HSE Health and Wellbeing, is currently working with a range of stakeholders from the farming community to support farm-focused scenarios that help guide suicide intervention efforts, the Department of Health confirmed.
"These scenarios will feature in the HSE online suicide prevention training programme – Let’s Talk About Suicide," the department spokesperson said.
Counselling supports for men
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) Farm Structure Survey indicates that 86% of farmers are men, the department said.
It added that Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler has launched a new free programme of mental health and counselling supports for men.
"This initiative will deliver over 15,000 free counselling sessions for men every year, backed by €2 million in dedicated annual funding.
"The programme commenced on September 1, 2025 and will be delivered in partnership with trusted providers such as Connect Counselling and MyMind," the department said.
The department said that farmers can access these counselling sessions for free through GP referral and online.
"Finally, the Department of Agriculture and has secured €3 million in dedicated funding in Budget 2026 to deliver an expanded range of farm safety, health and wellbeing initiatives," it added.
New strategy
The Department of Health and HSE recently unveiled the Sharing the Vision - Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030.
Agriland asked the Department of Health and HSE if there would be a focus on farmers and those in rural Ireland through this strategy, given the isolation people in these communities can experience.
The HSE said that the Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030 "supports all individuals across the population".
"Better mental health for all, including farmers, will be enhanced through online information and digital technologies.
"The HSE currently provides free, anonymous digital mental health support to people across the country, including free online guided cognitive behavioural, online peer support, and 24/7 anonymous text support.
"Digital supports can reach population groups who might not otherwise seek help, offering a flexible approach to support an individual’s mental health," it said.
The HSE also outlined a number of supports available, including: My Mental Health Plan; Balancing Stress Programme; and guided digital cognitive behavioural therapy, among others.
