HSE trains Teagasc advisors to notice suicidal clues
THE HSE has teamed up with Teagasc advisors in the West to provide training courses aimed at helping them notice farmers who are having suicidal thoughts.
So far, 34 Teagasc advisors in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon have taken part in the course, in an initiative being led by Seán Conneely, Senior Health Promotion Officer with the HSE.
Seán Conneely described the response to the initiative from Teagasc advisors as ‘fantastic’, pointing out that there is a very good working relationship between farmers and their advisors.
“All the advisors were very interested in the initiative and when talking to them, I could see that they really cared about their clients and were eager to learn more about suicide prevention and mental health,” said Seán Conneely.
He added that the feedback from the advisors was very positive – they had told him that it increased awareness of mental health as well as helping to lessen the stigma associated with the issue.
The ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’ course is a free online prevention training programme provided by the HSE, helping those who take part, to develop the skills to keep others safe from suicide.
“It helps to identify people who may be at risk, to confidently broach the subject of suicide, and to connect them with resources that can help them stay safe,” said Seán Conneely.
He also pointed out that research carried out by the HSE and the National Office of Suicide Protection in 2023 showed that almost one in four [23%] of farmers who participated in the survey were considered to be at risk of suicide.
“Teagasc advisors engage with a large number of farmers on a regular basis and build up good working relationships – they are ideally positioned to signpost them to mental health supports that are available,” said Seán Conneely.
This latest initiative has been warmly welcomed by the IFA’s National Family and Social Chair, Teresa Roche, who described it as a very positive and practical development in terms of farmers’ mental health.
“There are so many families and communities across the West of Ireland who have been left devastated after a suicide – it is a shattering experience.
“The old saying that prevention is better than cure is particularly apt here – this latest initiative will help to remove the stigmas attached to mental health issues and can help in a meaninguful way to keep farmers safe,” Teresa Roche told the Farming Tribune.
■ For more information on this free course email: [email protected] While this initiative involved Teagasc Agricultural Advisors, anyone over the age of 18 years, can complete this free online course available from: traininghub.nosp.ie – further information on mental health supports can be accessed at: www.westbewell.ie.
Pictured: Seán Conneely, Senior Health Promotion Officer, HSE West and North West [front, third from left] and [on his left] Vivian Silke, Teagasc Regional Manager, Mayo, with Teagasc Agricultural Advisors and Admin staff who completed the 'Let’s Talk About Suicide' training programme.