Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced a series of workshops across Northern Ireland in response to concerns relating to the impact of the recent bird flu pandemic on the poultry sector.

The 'Coping with the Pressures of Farming' workshops will be delivered as part of CAFRE's Farm Family Key Skills programme to farmers, their families and employees at no charge. They will focus on recognising the symptoms of excessive stress; exploring ways to build resilience and develop strong mental fitness; and learning how to access specialist support.  

The workshops will also encourage participants to think practically about the changes they could make to their lifestyle and/or business to improve their wellbeing.   

Minister Edwin Poots said: "Being part of a farming family comes with many responsibilities, each having their own element of pressure and stress. There is no doubt that year's avian influenza outbreak has added to that. It has been a very difficult time for the poultry sector. 

"I do not underestimate the mental strain it has caused to many families and businesses. The workshops being delivered in partnership with Rural Support are another welcome step forward in our efforts to support the poultry sector through this difficult period. I am encouraging farmers and their families to prioritise their mental health and avail of this support either by attending the in-person or online workshops."

Rural Support's Head of Farm Support, Gillian Reid, commented: "Challenges like disease outbreaks can have an impact on anyone's mental health. We believe that in order to be able to handle challenges like this, a high level of mental fitness is essential. With the avian flu outbreak affecting so many farmers, farming families and indeed many sector workers for such a prolonged period, it was evident that action to support those involved was needed."

Due to COVID-19 restrictions spaces are limited so to register please contact Rural Support's Farm Support Unit by contacting Freephone 0800 138 1678 or email: farmsupport@ruralsupport.org.uk

Places can also be booked via CAFRE's website.

Dates and locations of upcoming workshops are: 

• Thursday 24 February 2022 - 7:30pm - Online 
• Tuesday 1 March 2022 - 7:30pm - Omagh - Silverbirch Hotel  
• Wednesday 2 March 2022 - 7:30pm - Glarryford - Farmers Hall 
• Thursday 3 March 2022 - 7:30pm - Portadown, - Seagoe Hotel 
• Thursday 10 March 2022 - 7:30pm - Online  
• Wednesday 16 March - 7:30pm - Cookstown - The Royal Hotel 

To learn more about Rural Support's other programmes and workshops visit the NI Farm Support Hub website or Freephone 0800 138 1678 (Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm)