Rural stress helpline sees calls quadruple

A rural stress helpline has seen calls quadruple over a six-month period this year because of farming financial woes and the fodder shortage.

Console’s farm and rural stress helpline received 5,267 calls between March and September, compared to 1,316 over the previous six months.

The 24-hour helpline (freephone 1800 742 6450) is operated by Console on behalf of the HSE.