“Ending the stigma associated with opening up about mental health challenges among farmers and rural communities must be the key priority,” says Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher.
The Ireland South MEP was speaking at the Green Bales initiative launch in Ballindaggan, Co. Wexford where Minister James Browne was in attendance.
“I was honoured to be asked to speak at this very important public awareness event that has been organised by Patrick Hipwell for the last number of years.
“Speaking about mental health challenges must be normalised. There are many services, both charities and state agencies, available to people. Taking the first step and talking to someone about your issues is the most important step.
“Farmers have been put under significant pressure over the last seven months due to the terrible weather.
“Not only is this an economic stress but it’s also a personal stress for farmers. Whether it was dairy farmers worried about feeding their animals or tillage farmers sick to their stomachs worrying about when they can plant their fields, the last period has taken its toll on our farmers.
“Congratulations to the organisers of this great initiative, supported by Shine on behalf of the See Change campaign. A wonderful initiative that I was delighted to launch and am proud to support,” concluded Kelleher.
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