New helpline will be a confidential outlet for farmers and rural dwellers

STRESSED out, depressed and lonely farmers will have an outlet for their grief with the opening today of a new confidential helpline.

Rural dwellers in Cork and Kerry will be able to avail of the free service, which is staffed by professionals.

Aimed at people who may be feeling down, suffering from stress or depression, or those who are concerned about family or other issues, the helpline has been welcomed by junior Agriculture Minister John Browne.

Stress, he said, could have a number of sources including financial difficulties, substance addiction or abuse, loneliness or relationship problems.

The Southern Health Board, Ballyhoura Development and Teagasc have combined to develop the Farm and Rural Stress Helpline (1800 742 645), the first of its kind in the country.

Brenda Crowley, SHB Mental Health Resource Officer, said it was often thought that problems such as isolation and loneliness only affected older people which was not the case.

“The profile of those now living in the country has broadened dramatically particularly in recent years with more and more people choosing to live in a rural area.

“However, life in the country does not always live up to its often-perceived idyllic image. The Farm and Rural Stress helpline is therefore targeted at anyone who lives in the country and who is experiencing difficulties in their life”, she said.

Mr Browne, who launched the helpline in Mitchelstown, Co Cork said stress, loneliness and depression could affect anybody, regardless of age, occupation or where they lived. However, additional issues such as isolation often affected people in rural communities where they could live miles from their nearest neighbour or village.

Traditionally, he said, there has been reluctance to talk about personal concerns, particularly to a professional.

Pride is also often a factor, he said, or sometimes it was as simple as people not being aware of services available.

Mr Browne said raising the awareness of the helpline in the rural community was vital if it was to reach those who needed a listening ear.

The helpline is open daily (6.00pm-10.00pm).

An associated leaflet, poster and pens have been produced to help raise the awareness of the helpline and these will be distributed throughout Cork and Kerry in the coming weeks. Last night’s launch was sponsored by the Credit Union in Mitchelstown and Fermoy.