Social farming awareness week comes to Kildare farm
All roads lead to Stephen Morrison's farm in Kill
A series of open farm days are being planned as part of Social Farming Awareness Week 2024.
As part of this initiative there will be an event at Stephen Morrison's farm in Kill on Thursday, October 10. Social Farming provides a real opportunity to support recovery on ordinary farm settings for many people experiencing mental health challenges.
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10 and for many the month of October is Mental Health Month. Social Farming Ireland are hosting five Farm Open days around the country, where these ordinary farm settings open their gates to many, and share their experiences.
There are many themes for Mental Health Month/Week/Day 2024, Mental Health Ireland has chosen the ‘Connect’ theme. Connecting is a key benefit that can be derived from a social farming experience, and through connecting with the farmer and the the community hinterland, many people can improve their health and well being.
"European Mental Health Week earlier in the year focused on the theme of “Better Together: Co-creating the Future of Mental Health” and again Social Farming is a wonderful example of co-creation of solutions to support health and wellbeing with the Health Care sector collaborating with the Agriculture sector to provide innovative support for people on ordinary non-clinical farm settings," said the organisers.
During 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.
Stephen Morrison is the third generation to farm at Hartwell Farm, situated close to the village of Kill and 20 minutes from Newlands Cross (Dublin). The main activity is suckler farming with cows calving in the Spring and all progenies brought to beef. Our social farming participants can also experience the forest garden, vegetable garden, hens, forestry, and odd jobs around the yard e.g., forking in silage/hay to cattle.
Stephen is also involved with ‘Farming for Nature’ and was voted ambassador in 2020, as well as running a SoEarth Project on the farm where Stephen saw first-hand how people interact with nature and the animals on the farm and the
positive impact it has on their wellbeing. (10 October, 1pm to 3pm!)
Be sure to come along to one of these open days to experience first-hand the incredible impact of social farming and discover how it fosters community connection, social inclusion, and well-being through nature. Don't miss the chance to be part of this meaningful and inspiring initiative!
Booking in advance is essential on 086 0654136.