Social Farming event on Elphin farm

October is World Mental Health Month and to support this Social Farming Ireland is hosting a number of farm open day events, one of which will be taking place this Wednesday in Elphin.

Social Farming provides an opportunity to support recovery on ordinary farm settings for many people experiencing mental health challenges.

An open day will be held at Lakeview Farm, which is situated close to Elphin, on Wednesday, October 9th.

Anne Beirne and her husband, Gerry have been farming together since 1989, they run a suckler herd and have started rearing dairy calves on an automatic calf feeder in recent times. There are always lots of activities to do on the farm, they are kept busy tending to the animals, mending fences, and enjoying chats with their neighbouring farmers.

Anne is a retired SNA, and her hobbies include art, reading, and photography. She loves being out in nature and is anxious to combine her love of art with her natural surroundings to offer help to others to help themselves. She loves the slow pace of farm life and always has time for people. The event on the Elphin farm is taking place from 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and booking is essential, contact 086 0654136, 071 9641772 or soicalfarming@ldco.ie for more details.

Speaking prior to the event Anne told the Roscommon Herald: “We decided to host the open day to increase awareness of Social Farming whereby people come on a placement to an ordinary working farm. They get involved in day-to-day activities on the farm, which I feel gives the participants a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, a chance to interact and nourish their physical and mental health.” 

She believes that “the connection the participants make with the farmer, the land and the animals is very important and has therapeutic benefits. It also gives the farmer a chance to have a 'slow down' day on the placement days. The tasks are tailored to meet the ability of participants. I feel it's important the tasks undertaken are meaningful and purposeful. There needs to be a sense of achievement for the participants.” She added: “Farming can sometimes be viewed as isolating. Social Farming is an ideal way of having people come to the farm as it benefits the farmers and the participants. The Social Farming family is also very supportive and encouraging. We have met lots of people through our involvement. The Fit Farmers initiative coming to Elphin this week also gives farmers a chance to connect.

“I would like people to leave here [the farm] knowing that Social Farming is a very rewarding and worthwhile activity. The knowledge that we are helping people have a sense of purpose and accomplishment is very rewarding. The most thing I believe is that the farm doesn't have to be a model or perfect place, just a safe and welcoming environment that gives the participants a platform to realise their placement goals in a meaningful and tailored way.” 

During October five events are being held nationally and at these open days, visitors will get an insight into how the farm operates and learn about the role it plays in promoting well-being and inclusion. People will get to meet farmers and participants to hear first-hand the experiences, benefits and the impact of social farming on their lives. Participants on these farms engage in activities, such as planting, animal care, and potentially learn about agriculture and sustainable practices while understanding how farming can be a space for both productivity and healing. These events raise awareness about social farming and encourage community support and involvement in this innovative farming practices. Social Farming also fosters inclusivity by showing how farms can provide a nurturing environment for those in need of health or social care support.