A newly launched one-on-one mentoring project, The Embrace FARM Encircle Programme, hopes to provide support to individuals and families in the aftermath of a farm accident, suspected suicide, sudden trauma or fatal illness. The venture is funded by the European Innovation Partnership (EIP), through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Statistics compiled by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) show there have been over 200 farm-related deaths in Ireland over the last 10 years, plus 113 serious accidents recorded in 2021 alone.
Minister Martin Heydon, Kildare TD and Department of State comments that, “As we continue to work on improving farm safety and reduce the number of serious and fatal incidents on Irish farms, it is equally important that families affected by sudden traumas are supported. Embrace FARM has for many years played a crucial role for many Irish farm families in the aftermath of fatal or lifechanging incidents.”
“This European Innovation Partnership (EIP), one of eight being funded by my Department in the area of farmer safety, health and wellbeing, will enable Embrace FARM to build on that work. As we are all unfortunately too aware, a farm tragedy can present a range of potential issues for families. That is why I have no doubt the one-to-one tailored support will be invaluable to those who need it.”
The Encircle Programme will offer support to farmers and farm families through a nationwide panel of professional mentors drawn from legal, financial, Agri and psychology fields. Programme supports are also informed by industry specialists including IFAC, Agricultural Solicitors, Agricultural Consultants Association, Rural Support, HSE National Office of Suicide Prevention.
Embrace FARM will continue to offer its peer-to-peer support services in conjunction with the Encircle Programme. The annual ecumenical Remembrance Service will take place in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois on Sunday, 26 June, 2022.