500 calls made to HSE helpline that targets farmers and rural dwellers

A TOTAL of 500 calls were made between January and November last year to a Health Service Executive helpline targeted specifically at farmers and people who live in rural areas of Cork and Kerry.

The Farm and Rural Stress Helpline is aimed at people who may be feeling down, suffering from stress or depression or those who are concerned about someone.

The helpline, 1800 742 645, is open daily from 6pm-10pm and is staffed by professionals who offer callers support and advice in complete confidence.

It was set up in 2004 on foot of collaboration between the former Southern Health Board (now HSE South), Ballyhoura Development and Teagasc.

The move was a practical response by the three agencies to help address the issue of loneliness and isolation experienced by people living in rural areas in Cork and Kerry.

A breakdown of the number of calls per month last year shows 56 calls being recorded in June, 55 in October and 52 in March. The lowest number of calls were in July (39) and in April, September and November (40 each).

The HSE, which issued the information to Labour TD Sean Sherlock, following a Dáil question, said a recent evaluation of the helpline showed its effectiveness and confirmation that it is reaching and meeting the needs of those who require this service.

HSE local health manager David Drohan said a leaflet produced to promote the helpline was delivered to every rural household in Cork and Kerry (140,000) when it was launched in 2004.

This delivery will be repeated in 2009 as callers to the helpline have expressed their gratitude for receiving the leaflet directly to their home.

It helps them to access the helpline number easily and speak to someone in complete confidence particularly when they do not have anyone else they can talk to, he said.