Carlow named overall winner of council awards

A UNIQUE community wellbeing initiative aimed at supporting health, safety and wellbeing of the farming community in Carlow has been named overall winner of an All-Ireland competition.

The LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Community and Council Awards took place in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork last week, with the Carlow Farmer Wellbeing initiative taking home top honours. Nominated by cllr Andrea Dalton, the Carlow entry was specifically designed to address the health, wellbeing and safety challenges faced by the local farming community.

The initiative offered a range of services and advice aimed at improving mental wellbeing, physical health and overall self-care in the farming environment.

“We’re thrilled that IPB and LAMA chose to recognise this fantastic programme that engages and connects with the farming community across Carlow,” said cllr Fergal Browne, cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council.

“The physical and mental health of farmers often gets overlooked as the focus shifts to the demanding responsibilities of running a farm. The pressures of modern farming can lead to increased stress and concerns for both farmers and their families.

“Through this initiative, our goal is to support the farming community by offering the information and guidance they need to effectively manage these challenges in the best way possible,” said cllr Browne.

The Carlow County Council-led initiative provided a safe, familiar and comfortable space for engagement. The programme included five tailored information-sharing sessions and a comprehensive Farmer Wellbeing Day, offering:

● Expert-led talks on farm succession and will-making, gambling addiction, managing time and stress, farm safety and coping with bereavement through sudden death 

● Free health checks by qualified healthcare professionals, providing farmers with an accessible opportunity to monitor their physical wellbeing 

● Tailored advice from organisations on agri supports, farm safety and business practices, alongside practical farming guidance from agricultural experts.

● Information and opportunities for engagement on wellbeing supports, services and social engagement opportunities.

● Free haircuts, fostering self-care and promoting a healthy work-life balance 

● Complimentary dinners and lunches, facilitating informal social interaction and connection, and 

● Free first-aid kits, empowering farmers to prioritise safety on the farm.

By combining expert knowledge, tangible resources and a strong social engagement component, the programme aimed to foster resilience and promote positive health and wellbeing among Carlow’s farming community.

“This health and wellbeing initiative uniquely benefits the Carlow farming community, with 347 members of the farming community engaged in 2024,” said Michael Brennan, director of services at Carlow County Council.

The programme was funded by the Department of Agriculture and supported by a range of key stakeholders, including Carlow County Council, Healthy Carlow, Leinster Mart, County Carlow Development Partnership, Embrace Farm, Teagasc, IFA, Macra na Feirme and Kelly Agri Consultants.

The awards, hosted by LAMA and IPB Insurance, recognise and celebrate innovative and outstanding work and achievements across the 31 local authorities that enhance everyday lives.

Carlow County Council had a total of six projects shortlisted:

• Best Community Wellbeing Project – Carlow Farming Wellbeing 

• Best Mental Health – Wednesday Wanderers 

• Best environmental/ecological Initiatives – Carlow County Fire Service, Driving Eco-Friendly Innovation and Nature-Based Solutions, Carlow Town Urban Raingardens and Natural Habitat, Drummin Bog 

• Most inclusive project – Powerhouse Women in Business Networks, Carlow.