AQW 12846/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 03/06/2024
Answered On Date: 17/06/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any work he is carrying out, or planning to carry out, with the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to address suicide in rural communities.


Answer:
Certain factors have been identified as creating risk and stress to people living in rural areas over and above the risk factors for suicide affecting general populations. These include isolation, barriers to accessing services, a more conservative approach to help-seeking, heightened stigma associated with mental health issues, LGBT populations, availability of some means of suicide (firearm ownership, pesticides), and higher risk occupational groups such as farmers and veterinarians.
Rural Support provides support through a helpline which offers a listening and signposting service for farmers and rural families. Issues addressed include financial and debt problems; inheritance issues; physical and mental health concerns; farming paperwork and bureaucracy.
Public Health Agency (PHA) has funded Rural Support in delivering a range of services to help promote positive mental health among isolated rural dwellers, farmers and farm families across the region. These include:
Conducting information sessions to promote positive mental health, encourage farmers and rural dwellers to seek help and link with other support services
Training for Rural Support staff and volunteers
Mentors provide one-to-one support to individuals experiencing financial distress and, where appropriate, signpost to other services..
PHA has worked in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to develop and co-fund the Farm Families Health Check Programme. This consists of a mobile unit which is available at local livestock markets and additional community events to offer on-the-spot health checks consisting of diabetic and heart attack risk assessments, BMI checks and offers support around mental health. In addition, individual lifestyle advice is given on a range of health issues, and onward referral completed to local support services as required.