Social farming initiative in Tipperary shows major benefits for young people’s wellbeing
Minister visits Nenagh farm to highlight benefits of social farming initiative
Minister of State for Mental Health and Government chief whip, Mary Butler TD, spent a Wednesday earlier in April engaging with Social Farming Ireland, the national network for social farming, during a visit to Shallee near Nenagh. Deputy Butler also visited a social farm at Ballygagin in Dungarvan, county Waterford on the same day, and at both locations met participants, families, mental health service staff and social farmers and saw first-hand the benefits of the enterprise.
Social Farming Ireland was established in 2016, and today includes over 200 trained social farmers and engages with service providers, families and advocates across disability, mental health, social care, education, justice, and community development sectors.
In Nenagh, Minister Butler visited the farm of Michael and Oonagh O’Connor in Shallee, Nenagh who have been social farmers since 2021.
In that time they have supported people from disability services, mental health services, CAMHS, and family support organisations. The focus of the visit was the HSE CAMHS North Tipperary team, who have supported young people to engage in social Farming.
Deputy Butler and others in attendance heard from parents of young participants who spoke about increased confidence, routine, and the wellbeing benefits that their children have experienced.
Theresa Tierney of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) gave those in attendance an insight into the impact of the social farming experience on the team including clinical nurses, doctors and key workers and the progress they see in the young people they support. Being removed from their usual clinical setting and participating in farming activities alongside each other, had both participants and staff seeing each other in a different way on the farm, appreciating different life skills and qualities they both bring to the table.
The minister encouraged the importance of sharing if a person is experiencing mental health difficulties.
“For anyone that needs that little bit of extra support, and at some stage of our lives most of us need that little bit of support.
“Knowing that you are coming onto a farm such as this and getting the benefits of social farming, knowing that there is someone there to help you, that helps parents too”.
Speaking directly to the young people, the minister said ‘there is a pathway forward for everyone’.
Minister Mary Butler also spoke of her appreciation for the work of Social Farming Ireland, the participating farmers, and the staff who support placements.
She said that she “wanted to thank the social farmers because there would be no social farming without the farmers.
“You are doing it because you want to give something back. You are opening up your farms and listening to your stories; people know you are there for them’.
The visits to Dungarvan and Nenagh showcased the powerful impact of social farming on participants, families and advocates, medical staff, key workers and local communities.
“I don’t need any convincing about Social Farming, I’m there already” said Deputy Butler.
“I remember being on a farm with a person with intellectual disability who spoke his first words on that farm. I will never forget it as long as I live’.
Minister Mary Butler reiterated her appreciation for the valuable work being done on the ground by Social Farming Ireland and the Local Development Companies Leitrim Development Company, South West Mayo Development Company, Waterford Leader Partnership and West Limerick Resources, and her determination to see these opportunities grow for the people and the communities she represents across Ireland.