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Mental Health

The ICSA Policy Committee has noted that the promotion of mental wellbeing is of key importance in rural communities, particularly when farming conditions become difficult.

We are all aware of the stresses of daily farming life, but during times of additional pressure due to weather, isolation, finance or family problems, our mental health, and that of those around us, needs to be looked after.

In this context, ICSA entered a partnership agreement with ‘See Change‘ in August 2012. See Change is a network of organisations which aims to promote the discussion of mental health among the farming community and tackle the stigma attached to mental health problems. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine became an official See Change Partner in May 2013, a move greatly welcomed by ICSA.

What is the Green Ribbon Campaign?

See Change and its 90 partner organisations are rolling out a month long national Green Ribbon Campaign to get people talking openly about mental health problems in May 2014.

More than 300,000 green ribbons will be distributed nationwide free of charge to spark a national conversation about mental health throughout Ireland. The aim is to make the month of May every year synonymous with promoting open conversation of mental health and challenging the stigma of mental health problems.

Just like the pink ribbon has become a powerful symbol for breast cancer awareness, this lime green ribbon has been established in the US and beyond as the international symbol for challenging the stigma of mental health problems.

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Visit SeeChange.ie for more information on their important work with agricultural organisations and the farming community.

ICSA members are encouraged to be aware of their own mental health, as well as that of their family, friends, employees and neighbours.

If you, or someone you know, is in crisis now and need someone to talk to:

  • Contact Samaritans on 1850 609090
  • Contact your local doctor, listed under ‘General Practitioners’ in the Golden Pages or visit www.icgp.ie
  • Go to, or contact, the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest general hospital

For more details of Regional and Local Voluntary Support Services, please click here.

Not A Member Of ICSA Yet? Join Us Now!

Be a member here at ICSA and enjoy these various discounts offered by our partners:

10% or €100 off the cost of AXA Farm Insurance for members of ICSA

2.5 Cent off Pump Prices at Participating Fuel Stations

10% Off Farm Equipment Marking Systems

€20 Off IAS Laboratories Soil/Silage/Water Testing

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