It’s hoped there will be a surge in Clare farmers coming forward to join a project to help at-risk groups rehabilitate into society.
Social Farming Ireland has held an information event in Ennis, calling for more to come on board as there’s just one farmer in this county who has opened their land to these people.
What began in Northern Ireland is now a cross-border initiative being run on farms across the island of Ireland, aimed at helping those at risk.
Along with day to day farming activities, it means farmers who come on board can help those who are at risk.
This includes people with mental health difficulties, disabled people, the elderly, young people at risk, children, people availing of drug and alcohol rehabilitation services and offenders.
Stefanie Jäger Liston is Social Farming Ireland’s Network Development Worker in the SouthWest, which covers Clare.
At present, there’s only one social farmer in this county.
Rebecca Hussey from Bridgetown, near Killaloe in East Clare, says more should come on board for this worthy project.
Mike O’Connell is a social farmer who is based between Mungret and Clarina, just over the border in Limerick.
He came to social farming from a different route to Rebecca but hasn’t looked back since.
Social Farming Ireland can be found on Facebook or on their website for more on how to get involved.
