Wellbeing festival planned for Donegal farmers to take place next month

Farm families from across Donegal are invited to attend the Connecting for Life Donegal Farmers Harvest of Hope Wellbeing Festival, taking place from 1pm to 5pm on October 12, at the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.

Coinciding with World Mental Health Week and the Green Ribbon Campaign, this is the first farmer-focused wellbeing event of its kind in Donegal, designed to tackle stigma, raise awareness, and connect farmers and their families with vital mental health supports.

There will be live music and dancing with Jason McCahill, you can meet TikTok Star Donkey, a jiving competition, free food and goodie bags, and a tractor showcase.

Research shows that farmers experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. Factors such as isolation, stigma, and limited access to services contribute to these challenges. With over one in five farmers considered at risk of suicide, the need for targeted support has never been greater.

The event is being led by Donegal Local Development (DLDC) and supported by Connecting for Life Donegal, alongside partners including the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), SCAN HSE DMHS, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), Macra na Feirme, Teagasc, and Donegal Volunteer Centre.

Damian Mc Crory, Director of Nursing Donegal Mental Health Services and chair of the Connecting for Life Donegal Implementation Group stated: “Events like the Harvest of Hope Festival are vital in reaching rural communities where stigma and isolation can make it harder to seek support. We are proud to support Connecting for Life Donegal in delivering this initiative, which represents a real investment in the mental health and wellbeing of our farming families.”

Paul McDaid, Lifelong Learning Project Officer, DLDC, added: “Stress and depression among farmers and their families is something we see daily – in marts, fields, and rural communities. As a partner in Connecting for Life, DLDC is proud to lead the first-ever Harvest of Hope Festival for Donegal. This festival is about starting conversations, breaking down stigma, and planting the seeds of hope for a healthier, more resilient farming community in Donegal.”

This is a FREE event open to all members of the community of Donegal – no registration required. Just come along on the day and enjoy free food, live music from Jason McCahill & The Ryan Turner Band, Jiving competition, Facepainting, Stilt Walkers, a Tractor showcase, and free health checks.