“Social Farming was a really enjoyable experience – it opened my mind to alternative support measures that can help me,” according to Brendan Clifford, 14, one of a number young people who got hands-on experience in Social Farming in the HSE Mid West in recent months. “I looked forward to Wednesday afternoons with anticipation, and the two hours went by rapidly. My participation gave me great enjoyment, confidence, and pleasure.”

Social farming is an initiative where people, particularly those with higher health or social needs, are immersed into the daily life of a family farm in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. A small team of nurses have been championing this innovative approach to supporting young people receiving mental health treatment in the HSE Mid West region in recent months.

In Shallee, North Tipperary, seven young people, and nurses, got hands-on experience with calves and cows on Michael and Oonagh O’Connor’s suckler farm over a 10-week period. The initiative was a joint effort between HSE Mid West’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in North Tipperary, and Social Farming Ireland. CAMHS is a service that assesses and treats young people and supports their families who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties.

In addition to Michael’s expert supervision, Clinical Nurse Specialists Theresa Tierney-Bugler and Bianca Greer prepared individual support plans with the seven youths, and worked side-by-side with them doing daily tasks on the farm.

In two five week periods, they carried out a variety of important farmland tasks, including preparing and installing cattle fencing, vaccinating calves, preparing feed, bagging meal, cleaning the farmyard and cutting timber. The unique project has received support and praise from the young people and their parents, citing improvements in confidence, social skills, positive mood, and self-esteem.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Theresa Tierney-Bugler explained that “the Social Farming initiative has been a game-changer and an eye-opener in how we interact with and support our young people with mental health difficulties. With the Golden Vale and so much vast nature on our doorstep, we can use our natural resource and strong farming culture to continue and expand this service across the Mid West.

“Working alongside these brilliant and bright young people, we were able to model positive behaviour and social communication, have the banter, share a laugh, and create a positive, productive, and inclusive environment.”

Suckler farmer Michael O’Connor praised the young people for their excellent contribution over the 10 weeks: “They were really exemplary to work with. They were exceptional. Some had come from a farming background, so they were extremely safety conscious. They were really excellent and they were very keen. When I was giving instructions for tasks, I only had to tell them once.

“Normally, on a farm, some of the tasks are two or three person jobs, as some of the calves can be very lively. But there was nothing they couldn’t do. I only wish I was that good when I was their age. I really admire their enthusiasm.”

Social Farming Ireland facilitates and supports placements on farms. They train and develop social farmers, and operate a National Network for farmers and professionals in health and social care services. Their mission is to create inclusive community opportunities for people to experience the everyday activities and environment of a working family farm, enhancing their lives and well-being in the process.

The network offers full training to ensure social farms meet quality and governance standards required by organisations such as the HSE. Social farming placements benefit a wide range of individuals, including those with mental health challenges, intellectual, physical, or sensory disabilities, young people and others at risk of social exclusion.

With a network of over 150 farms across the country, of all varieties, Social Farming Ireland aims to make accredited farms accessible in every area. A social farm can provide a stepping stone to a better life for many who may need non-clinical community support. The team in Social Farming Ireland have worked with Mental Health Services in the Limerick Tipperary Clare region for a number of years and these placements are as a result of that successful collaboration.

An anonymous survey among parents and young people who took part in the initiative showed positive results. Parents reported on the benefits, and they noted improvements in their children’s mood; willingness to trying new experiences; and an improvement in interactions within families and generally with peers and others.

One parent commented that “social farming was an amazing opportunity with a wide range of activities to try. It was a great way for our child to build their confidence, face challenges, overcome fears and engage with other similar young people. It was a very safe environment in which to learn new things.”

Another parent noted how “Social Farming has been very beneficial from a socialisation aspect. We felt very welcome and I was comfortable that my child was safe and very well looked after. For my child, her self-worth, belief in herself, and confidence have all improved.”

One young person further added that it was a “fantastic experience, I was nervous at the start but I really settled in and looked forward to meeting my new friends every week. I would recommend it to any other young person in a similar situation dealing with their mental health.”