Social Farming Ireland is holding an Open Day in Laois

Social Farming Ireland is inviting people to join them for an open day on Fearnóg Farm near Mountrath this Friday, July 21.

The concept of Social Farming involves inviting people who mightn’t usually farm taking part in the day-to-day activities on a working farm. 

It provides people who use services with the opportunity for inclusion, to increase self-esteem, and to improve health and well-being.

“The farm remains at its core, a working farm, where the people availing of support can benefit from  participation in the ordinary day-to-day farm activities in a non-clinical environment. Social Farming also creates the  opportunity to reconnect farmers with their local communities through opening up their farms as a community-based support for a range of people with many different needs,” according to Social Farming Ireland.  

Farm Open Days are held to promote the work of Social Farming both to potential participants, support services, the farming community and the wider community.

People who take part in Social Farming choose to do so and actively participate in the planning of their placement. They have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of farming activities including animal care, horticulture, forestry care, cooking, nature walks and craftwork.

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Studies have shown that Social Farming has benefits for mental health, education and skills, physical health and wellbeing and in terms of  social connection.    

People who have successfully engaged in Social Farming include: people experiencing mental health difficulties, people with  disabilities (intellectual, physical, and sensory), young people in the care system, refugees and asylum seekers, people  availing of drug/alcohol rehabilitation services, people with dementia, elder care sector and those in the justice system among others. 

All farmers, service providers, and those interested in learning about the benefits of social farming are welcome. Visitors are asked to contact the Social Farming Ireland to confirm attendance.