Rural helpline tackles isolation issues

PEOPLE calling the HSE South’s farm and rural stress helpline are lonely and depressed, are suffering abuse or have specific problems around farming and inheritance.

Figures released by the HSE, show 371 calls were received in 2010 to its dedicated helpline, established in 2004 as a practical response to help address the issue of loneliness and isolation experienced by people living in rural areas in Cork and Kerry.

As well as issues around depression and loneliness, the helpline is dealing with callers also expressing concerns about their own financial situation in relation to farming.